A MAN has denied attempting to murder a Widnes doorman.

Frank Kinder, 32, pleaded not guilty to shooting Eric Atkinson, 30, outside the Derby pub on March 10.

Kinder, of Garden Grove, Netherley, also denied a charge of possession of a firearm today (Thursday) at Chester Crown Court.

The case, which relates to the shooting of Mr Atkinson, a father-of-one originally from North Wales, will next be heard on September 8.

A lengthy trial is scheduled for early next year.