A former Dragons' Den star has been charged with child sex offences.

Doug Richard, who acted as an adviser to Prime Minister David Cameron, is accused of three counts of sexual activity with a child and one of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The offences took place in January and relate to one victim, a girl who was aged 13, at the time, it is alleged.

Richard, 57, denied the allegations in a short statement issued after the charges were confirmed.

The US-born businessman said: "I absolutely deny the charges against me and will contest this matter in court."

Richard, of Islington, north London, will appear at City of London Magistrates' Court on October 5.

The millionaire appeared on BBC's Dragons' Den in the first two series.