A MAN entered a not guilty plea to a charge that he helped to unlawfully kill a pensioner.

Great-grandfather William 'Roy' Melling, 74, died in a care home seven months after he was alleged to have been involved in a confrontation at the Lion of Vienna pub on January 22 last year.

Widower Mr Melling was taken to hospital and then transferred to St Catherine's Care Home, Horwich, where he died on August 2.

Daniel Riley, aged 24, was subsequently charged with manslaughter.

He appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday and denied the charge.

Riley, previously of Queens Road, Bolton, and now of Spinners Mews, Bolton, was remanded on conditional bail.

His trial is due to begin on November 21.