The trial of a Sussex man following one of the largest seizures of cocaine in Britain has been delayed until Monday.

Four men are charged with smuggling the drug, which was seized at Southend airport, Essex, in October 2001 after a Boeing 707 aircraft landed.

Among the defendants is 60-year-old Martin Lake, of Bracken Lane, Storrington.

The trial at Basildon Crown Court, Essex, had been expected to begin today but has been delayed by legal argument.

The arrests were made following an investigation by Customs and Excise, which said the seizure of the cocaine was one of the largest in the UK.

The other defendants are Christopher Barret-Jolly, 54, of Wellington, Somerset; Peter Carine, 49, of Hensall, North Yorkshire; and Duncan Adamson, 41, of Great Warford, Cheshire.