A WOMAN accused of killing 19-month-old Joshua Massey-Hodgkinson will not face trial until after the first anniversary of his death.

And today the tragic baby's parents said they were "bitterly disappointed" over the timing of the trial.

Wendy Barlow, 37, of Eightacres Avenue, Sabden, denied manslaughter at Preston Crown Court yesterday. She was charged in August after a four-month police investigation into Joshua's death at her home in the early hours of Saturday, April 17. It is alleged he drowned.

Joshua's family - mum Emma Massey and dad Simon Hodgkinson, both of Clitheroe - were in court for the hearing where it was revealed the trial will start on April 25 - one year and 10 days after his death.

Emma, who works for a publishers in the Ribble Valley, said: "We're very disappointed it is going to be so long off and, in many ways, the timing couldn't be worse.

"Until the court case is over, we can't really move on. We want to find out what happened."

The date was set after defence solicitors said experts witness would need until January to complete reports. Judge Peter Openshaw QC, Recorder of Preston, said the timing was "unfortunate" but added: "I think it would be distressing at any time."