A MAN accused of causing the death of an elderly cyclist by careless driving is to stand trial later this year.

Nathan James Holme, 23, pleaded not guilty to one charge when he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court.

It was alleged that Holme drove an Audi A3, on the A6 at Milnthorpe, "without due care and attention, and thereby caused the death" of Joseph Eric Park.

The court heard on March 7 last year the Audi and cyclist Mr Park - who was aged 74 - were in collision on Church Street in Milnthorpe, close to its junction with St Anthony's Hill.

Holme, of Broad Ing Crescent, Kendal, is due to stand trial on July 29 and it is estimated it will last three to four days. He was granted bail by Judge Forrester.

Friends of Mr Park - who was reported to have been an active member of several operatic societies - paid tribute following his death.

One described him as a "true gentleman" who would be "sadly missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have known him".