THE trial of a young driver accused of causing the death of a D-Day Veteran and an elderly woman has been set.

Jamie Lawson (20) of The Showfield, Haydon Bridge, appeared at Newcastle Moot Hall virtually on January 7.

It is alleged that, on October 4, Lawson was responsible for a crash on the A697 at Wandysteads, near Edlingham, which resulted in the death of D-Day veteran James Johnston (96), of Amble, and 96-year-old Pearl Smith, of Wooler.

Mr Johnston was a D-Day veteran who served as a pathfinder for the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944.

The A697 was closed in both directions for several hours following the crash, with police, fire crews and a specialist rescue unit caused to the scene.

Lawson pleaded not guilty to the charges, and will face trial on August 9 2021 at Newcastle Crown Court.