The man accused of killing 33-year-old Katie Kenyon has pleaded not guilty to her murder.

Andrew Burfield, 50, appeared at Preston Crown Court this morning charged with the murder of the Padiham mum-of-two.

Burfield, of Todmorden Road, Burnley, was first charged with kidnap, and then charged with murder, after Katie’s body was found in the Forest of Bowland in April.

The Padiham mum went missing on April 22 after she was thought to be seen getting into a silver Ford Transit van, which was driven to the Forest of Bowland.

Her body was found on April 29 after a week of searching, with a post-mortem examination revealing she died as a result of head injuries.

Appearing at Preston Crown Court today, in front of the Honorary Recorder of Preston Judge Robert Altham, Burfield, who was wearing a light blue shirt and dark navy trousers, stood in the dock and spoke only to confirm his name and enter his plea.

Members of Katie’s family were also in attendance at court and sat in the public gallery.

After pleading not guilty to Katie’s murder, the 50-year-old left the dock and was taken into custody.

A trial date has been set for November 15. A pre-trial review is due to take place on November 4.