A RETIRED west Cumbrian teacher has appeared in court charged with multiple child sex offences, including an allegation of "paying for sexual services" from a 16-year-old boy.

Workington man Paul Adams, 76, was not asked to formally enter any pleas when he appeared via a video link before a judge at Carlisle Crown Court, where he is facing six allegations. 

Four of the charges allege that he sexually assaulted a child. Another involves an alleged sexual assault on a male.

According to court papers, the charge of paying sexual services of a boy aged 16 relates events which happened in Workington between April 16, 2012 and April 15 of the following year.

There are a number of alleged victims, according to the prosecution.

After setting a detailed timetable for the case, Judge Michael Fanning set the date for the start of the trial, which is expected to last up to seven days, as June 23 next year.

The defendant, in the meantime, was remanded in custody.

The defendant, a former teacher and pastoral head who also worked in West Cumbrian theatres, has previously given his address as Banklands, Workington. During the 20-minute hearing, he spoke only to confirm his personal details.