TV weatherman Fred Talbot propositioned a teenager in the cellar of his home after telling the boy it was okay to be gay, a court heard.

Talbot, 65, of Bowdon, told Alan Maslen, then aged 15, if he wanted to experiment sexually with other males, he should "look no further and he would be happy to oblige", the jury was told.

The TV personality is accused of indecently assaulting five boys in the late 60s to the early 1980s during his former career as a teacher.

Talbot, who was a regular on the floating weather map in Liverpool's Albert Dock for ITV's top-rated This Morning show, denies the allegations.

Four of the complainants were teenage pupils at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, where Talbot taught biology.

Today, Mr Maslen, who is not a victim of sexual assault, said he was at the school from 1972 to 1977, and described it as an old-fashioned grammar where, "discipline was king", but Talbot was seen as "one of the boys" who would buy them rounds in a local pub and chat about sex.

Mr Maslen told the jury at Minshull Crown Court in Manchester: "On one occasion he told me of his bisexuality and if I ever had thoughts of having sexual contact with boys or men, it's not to be ashamed of.

"If ever I was interested in experimentation in sexual activity with another male, then I should look no further and he would be happy to oblige."

Mr Maslen said twice at closing time after drinking in the pub, Talbot invited him back to his house, saying both alcohol and "dope" was available, and if his parents asked where he was, to tell them, "I was with him using his telescope to observe meteorites."

Mr Maslen declined both invites but claimed on another occasion Talbot went further.

He and other boys were in a band and went to the cellar of Talbot's house in Altrincham after his teacher offered to record them playing.

But the other boys then left or were sent on errands and suddenly he found himself alone in the cellar with Talbot.

Mr Maslen continued: "Fred stopped. He said, 'Before we go any further, you know what I want to do with you, don't you?'

"My initial response was one of panic because I was aware I was alone in his cellar so I blustered and played for time."

Talbot then began to walk across the room towards him.

The witness continued: "I shouted, 'No!' put my hands up and he stopped.

He continued verbally, 'Look this will only take five minutes' I sprang to my feet with my electric guitar, swung it around and shouted as loudly as I could, then he stopped.'"

He said Talbot then told him: "Fine. We will just stay with this then," and his bandmates returned 15 minutes later.

Mr Maslen said he had never told anyone in detail about it until police traced him while investigating Talbot.

Neil Usher, prosecuting, asked him: "Do you bear him any ill will?"

Mr Maslen replied: "I have to be honest and say no. It was a long time ago and for years and years and years I put it down to an error of judgement on his part. No harm was done. He never got to lay his hands on me."

But Suzanne Goddard QC, defending, suggested the passage of time had clouded the witness's memory and none of it happened.

Mr Maslen replied: "It absolutely happened. I can remember the events of it vividly."

Talbot, of Bowdon, Cheshire, denies 10 counts of indecent assault.

The trial continues.