THE owners of a Lancashire theme park were due in court today charged with health and safety offences following the death of a worker in 2001.

Prime Resorts, which owns Camelot Theme Park, Charnock Richard, near Chorley, have been charged with failing to ensure the safety of employees.

Another charge, relating to the carrying out of risk assessments, has also been put against the company.

The charges relate to the death of theme park engineer Harry Matthews, 59, of Wigan, who was killed when he was hit by the Gauntlet rollercoaster while greasing the track.

The firm was due before South Ribble Magistrates in Leyland today.