Worcestershire-based pop star PJ Proby has denied £47,000 benefit fraud but his trial will not be held until March next year.

Under his real name of James Marcus Smith, he entered not guilty pleas at Worcester Crown Court to nine charges brought by the Department of Work and Pensions.

Proby, aged 72, of Hollands, Twyford, near Evesham, was granted unconditional bail after making a 20-minute appearance.

The Houston-born singer denied false claims for pension credit, housing benefit and council tax benefit between November 2002 and March 2008.

Two counts allege he failed to declare income from savings and investments.

The trial, on March 6, 2012, is scheduled to last two to three weeks. There will be a pre-trial hearing on February 6.

Nicholas Smith, for the DWP, said there would be 12 witnesses but bank evidence was accepted.

Recorder Roger Evans commented that the case had been hanging over Proby for three years.

The issue was whether there was dishonesty or intent to defraud.