Children's magician David Payne told police that a seven-year-old girl he is accused of raping was "an attractive young lady", a court heard.

Swindon Crown Court also heard that the 56-year-old father-of-two, of The Street, Burton, near Chippenham, told police that the youngster, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had "triggered a spark" in him, when he was being questioned in connection with the alleged sex attack.

Payne admitted carrying out a number of indecent acts on the child but denies the rape.

He also pleads not guilty to two further charges of indecent assault on two other girls, both aged under 10 at the time of the alleged incidents and who also cannot be named.

The trial continues.