A woman has pleaded not guilty to an imitation firearm charge after allegedly being found with a BB gun outside a day care centre.

Lorenza Clarke, 20, of Eldart Close, Tilehurst, is set to appear before Reading Magistrates' Court on May 16.

The prosecution in the case claims that, on February 22 last year, the woman was found outside Norcot Early Years Centre in Reading with a BB gun.

Norcot advertises itself as a nursery for children between three months and five years of age.

Ahead of the trial, Clarke has been released on bail.

By order of the court, she is prohibited from going within 50 metres of the day care.