A MAN will stand trial later this year after he denied the manslaughter of a man outside a pub in Farnworth.

Craig Birtwistle, aged 37, of Crescent Avenue, Farnworth, appeared at Manchester Crown Court yesterday to submit the new plea.

He had initially been charged with the murder of Colin Moore and had pleaded not guilty but was re-arraigned during the plea and trial preparation hearing.

He pleaded not guilty to manslaughter during the short hearing and a trial date has now been set for April 16.

The charge relates to an incident outside The Bradford Arms in Buckley Lane, Farnworth on Tuesday, October 24 last year.

Police were called to an alleged assault at around 6.30pm and Mr Moore was pronounced dead at the scene and an investigation was launched.

Family and friends of the defendant were present at the hearing when barristers and the judge also made arrangements for the upcoming trial.

Birtwistle first appeared in court in October when he pleaded not guilty to murder.

Following the death officers cordoned off the pub and there was a large police presence in the area.

The ambulance service also attended the scene after they were called to the scene.

Crime scene investigators were seen at the pub into the night and the building remained taped off the following day while police examined the area.

Residents living nearby spoke of their shock after the death.

Police were seen at a rear entrance to the pub after the death with a crime scene investigator wearing a forensic suit.