England footballer Adam Johnson has denied three charges of sexual activity with a girl under 16 in his first appearance at crown court.

The 27-year-old Sunderland star, who appeared at Durham Crown Court, also denied one charge of grooming.

Mr Johnson entered the court surrounded by his legal team, and spoke to enter his not guilty pleas.

The winger was arrested in March after he was accused of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.

The three counts of sexual activity with a child were alleged to have taken place on one night in January at two locations in Co Durham, while the offence of meeting a child after sexual grooming was alleged to have happened between December and February.

The winger, who has played 12 times for England, lives in Castle Eden, Co Durham.

Born in Sunderland, Mr Johnson began his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Manchester City and then Sunderland for £10 million in 2012.

It was agreed in court that the trial would go ahead at Durham and Judge Christopher Prince set a date of 24 August.

Mr Johnson was granted conditional bail.