GERMANY- Christian Wulff, ex German President, is going on trial after he was alleged to have accepted the payment of hotel bills by a film producer in return for lobbying while he was premier of Lower Saxony in 2008.

The 54-year-old is the first former head of state to answer charges in court, as he rejected the allegation and vowed to clear his name.

Mr Wulff is alleged to have allowed film producer David Groenewold to pay hotel bills in Munich during the Oktoberfest beer festival in 2008 and on the northern island of Sylt in 2007. David Groenewold also faces similar charges.

If convicted, Mr. Wulff faces up to three years in jail or a fine.