A MURDER trial is set to start on Monday following the death of a popular community figure from Ormsgill in Barrow.

Damien Hill is accused of murdering 35-year-old Guy Hamilton, known locally as “Ormsgill’s finest”, after he was found with serious injuries outside his flat in Meetings View at around 10pm on April 30 of last year.

He was taken to Furness General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Hill, 44, was arrested and charged with Mr Hamilton's murder.

In September, the Honorary Recorder of Preston, Judge Mark Brown, agreed to reschedule the trial, originally due to start on October 10 for March 13 of this year to allow further investigations to take place.

Following Mr Hamilton’s death, a number of fundraising events took place to pay for his funeral.

The community also held a candlelit vigil for Mr Hamilton, who was described as “the caretaker of Ormsgill.”

The trial is due to take place at Preston Crown Court.