The widower of a British tourist who died after a blaze in South Africa spoke today of his anguish on the eve of the trial of the man accused of causing the fire.

Janet Chesworth, 65, was killed while on holiday in Cape Town with her daughter Linda in January 2006.

The newly-retired council worker, who had been hiking when the fire took hold, died of smoke inhalation.

The inferno is thought to have been sparked by a dropped cigarette.

Anthony Cooper, 36, of Brighton, has been charged with arson and culpable homicide.

Large tracts of Table Mountain were burnt after Cooper allegedly flicked a burning cigarette into a bush near a cable car hub.

His trial, which has been delayed a number of times during the past 18 months, is due to begin tomorrow at a regional court in Cape Town.

Speaking from the family home in Sedgley, West Midlands, Jim Chesworth, who was married to Janet for almost 35 years, said: "Since it happened it has been heartbreaking.

"The case has been delayed many times which is hard for us as a family.

"It is very difficult and I find it hard to talk about, but what we have said is that the family continues to follow the proceedings in South Africa and we are concerned that the case is not delayed any further.

"We trust that the court will reach a just and fair conclusion.

"If he (Anthony Cooper) has done it he has spoiled two families.

"He has destroyed our family and his own."