Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has denied carrying out a string of sexual offences involving children.

As previously reported, the Welsh singer was charged with a number of child sex charges in December.

The BBC reports that 35-year-old Watkins denied all 24 offences charged against him during a video-link appearance at the Cardiff Crown Court.

They say the Lostprophets man faced two counts of raping a baby and one charge of conspiring to rape a child, as well as a separate charge of "possessing extreme pornographic images involving an animal".

Two women also appeared in court as part of the case, who both denied their charges.

Watkins, who is from Pontypridd, later said in a statement: "I want to thank my family, friends and all the fans for their continued support throughout this whole ordeal. Your support gives me strength. I deny all the allegations against me and I will fight to the end to clear my name."

The charges relate to alleged incidents said to have taken place between 2007 and 2012.

The case is expected to go to trial later this year.