THE driver of a lorry involved in a fatal road crash in which a Northwich preacher was killed is to face trial.

Gordon MacDougal Robertson, 62, from Scotland, pleaded not guilty to a charge of driving without due care and attention when he appeared before Vale Royal Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Robertson was remanded on unconditional bail until next month, when he will return to the court for a pre-trial review.

Lower Whitley resident Robert Wallace Lewis, a 71-year-old lay preacher, was killed on the afternoon of Wednesday December 8, while driving along the A49 Warrington Road in Little Leigh.

His Peugeot 406 collided with a Leyland lorry driven by Robertson travelling north, and smashed into the side of Holly Bush Cottage, next to the Holly Bush pub.

Mr Lewis, of Marsh Lane, is believed to have been killed instantly. His wife, Kay, was injured and taken to Warrington General Hospital but later released.

Mr Robertson received minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

Serious structural damage was caused to Holly Bush Cottage, parts of which date to the 17th Century.

The news of Mr Lewis' death shocked the Methodist community and tributes to the long-serving preacher were paid by ministers, as well as personal friends. Speaking at the time, the Rev Richard Towle said: 'He had been a preacher for more than 37 years and often visited churches in the circuit to preach.

'He was well-liked and had a great enthusiasm for his faith.'

Firefighters from Northwich risked their lives to rescue the lorry driver from his cab as the thatched cottage collapsed around them.