TODAY a 51-year-old man is due to stand trial accused of the murders of two schoolgirls more than 30 years ago.

Russell Bishop is accused of killing nine-year-olds Karen Hadaway and Nicola Fellows on October 9 1986.

The girls were found dead in Wild Park near the Moulsecoomb estate in Brighton.

Bishop, who denies the two murder charges, appeared by video link earlier this month from Frankland Prison for a short hearing at the Old Bailey before Mr Justice Sweeney.

He was remanded in custody with the trial due to begin today at the same court in London.

The trial is expected to last for between six to eight weeks.

A jury is expected to be selected on Monday, with prosecutor Brian Altman QC opening the case later.