A LORRY driver has denied causing the death of Bolton grandfather Clive Atkinson by careless driving.

Members of 64-year-old Mr Atkinson's family were at Bolton Magistrates' Court as Kevin McManus stood in the dock and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Mr Atkinson died as he got out of his own vehicle, which was parked at the rear of his Bradford Street home at 9.55am on November 28 last year and was hit by the delivery lorry.

The retired building contractor died at the scene despite efforts by paramedics to save him and a post mortem revealed he sustained multiple injuries.

McManus, aged 41, of Elton Avenue, Farnworth, remained at the scene and a police investigation commenced.

A trial is due to be held at Bolton Crown Court,where McManus will next appear on December 20.

"There will be quite a volume of expert evidence involved in this matter," Suzanne Hargreaves, defending, told magistrates.

Following Mr Atkinson's death, his family issued a tribute stating: "Our whole family is devastated by this awful incident.

"Clive will be sadly missed by his wife Lorraine, son Daniel, daughters Heidi and Keeley, daughter-in-law Leesa and all his grandchildren."