Four men have appeared at court in connection with a suspected cannabis farm believed to be the largest ever found in County Durham.

Arvit Ahmeti, 27, Kledjan Bregu, 27, Klevist Bregu, 25 and Halit Laka, 22, are accused of producing a controlled class B substance - cannabis - on April 25, this year.

On Wednesday, all four men appeared at Teesside Crown Court, via video link and with the aid of an interpreter, where they faced the single charge. No formal pleas were entered during the morning hearing.

It is alleged that a suspected cannabis farm including 3,400 plants was discovered at an address on Valley Street in Darlington.

Addressing the men, Judge Christopher Smith said: "It is anticipated that each of you are to plead not guilty and for this case to appear before a jury.

"You will each have a meeting with your solicitors and the case will come back on July 1 when I anticipate that the charge will be put to you so you can formally enter your not guilty pleas."

Ahmeti, of Braemar road, Haringey, London; Kledjan Bregu and Klevist Bregu, both of Park Way, Edgeware, Harrow; and Laka, of no fixed address, were remanded in custody until their next court appearance. Judge Smith told the defendants that a trial date has been set for Monday, September 5.