Two men who are accused of being involved throwing poo around on a train are to face trial by judge and jury.

Josh Dolman and Edward McCormack both denied doing an act to outrage public decency when they appeared at Swindon Crown Court.

It is alleged they were members of a group of seven men involved in offensive behaviour on a train between Bath and Chippenham last summer.

As well as someone allegedly defecating in a public part of the carriage, it is also said the faeces was also thrown around hitting a woman.

Dolman, 26, of William Street, Calne, and McCormack, 25, of Waters Edge, Chippenham, both pleaded not guilty to the charge.

It alleges that as well as the poo being thrown, the men also loudly discussed sexual exploits in earshot of other passengers and used abusive language.

The group are further said to have encouraged other travellers to take off items of clothing and also removed some of their own.

Five other men also face the same charge relating to the train journey on Wednesday, July 11 last year.

At an earlier hearing Toby Clarke, 22, of Whaddon, Hilperton, and Bobby Clifford, 21, of St Peters Close, Chippenham, admitted outraging public decency. Clifford also pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine.

No charges have formally been put to Alistair Ellis, 25, of Flowers Yard, and Andrew McCabe, 27, of Drake Crescent, both Chippenham, and they have yet to enter pleas.

A seventh man, Dominic Patten, 21, of Chestnut Road, Chippenham, was not present in court for the hearing as he is a student in America.

Judge Robert Pawson was told he is currently doing his university final exams and will return to the UK in early May.

He is charged with outraging public decency, endangering the safety of a passenger by throwing a bin lid and a beer can at a train, and two counts of assault by beating.

His case is due to be heard before magistrates next week with him appearing from the States by videolink.

Dolman and McCormack are due to stand trial on Monday July 1 and the six who appeared in court were all released on bail.

Clarke and Clifford will be sentenced after the trial,