THE former manager of the two Blackmoor Nurseries workers who died last year has denied manslaughter.

Scott Cain, 23, and Ashley Clarke, 24, were found unconscious in an apple store at Blackmoor Estate in February 2013.

Andrew Stocker, 57, of The Links, Whitehill, former boss of the fruit packing and storage operation, pleaded not guilty to two counts of gross-negligence manslaughter at Winchester Crown Court.

Blackmoor Estate Ltd faces four counts of contravening regulations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. However, the firm has not yet entered a plea on these charges and is due to return to Winchester Crown Court in January.

For full story, see this week's Bordon Herald.