A MAN has appeared at crown court in Cornwall charged with the murder of a former Rossendale man.

Kevin Cooper, 33, from Redruth, is accused of killing David Alderson, who is originally from Rawtenstall, and whose body was found in disused mine works on January 18.

Cooper is to face trial later this year accused of murdering the 72-year-old retired driving instructor, who was discovered in a shallow pool by a dog walker at Wheal Maid, near Falmouth.

The defendant was not required to make any plea and spoke only to confirm his name during a short preliminary hearing at Exeter Crown Court on Monday.

Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, set a provisional trial date for Truro on November 17 and remanded Cooper in custody until a plea and directions hearing at either Exeter or Truro on June 5.

Mr Alderson's death was initially treated as a cycling accident but a murder inquiry was launched after it was found that Mr Alderson had driven to the mine from his home in Falmouth.

Cooper was later arrested in Reading, Berkshire.

Mr Alderson moved to Cornwall from East Lancashire around 30 years ago.

He was last seen leaving his home in the Old Hall area of Falmouth on January 17.