A FRENCH firm which manufactured a rollercoaster which fatally injured a North-East student will go on trial today.

Durham University student Gemma Savage died from her injuries after two cars collided on the Treetop Twister ride at Lightwater Valley, near Ripon, North Yorkshire, in June, 2001. The 20-year-old died in hospital the next day.

Three other riders were also injured in the incident.

Paris-based Societe Reverchon, the firm which manufactured the ride, will go on trial at Leeds Crown Court charged with failing to ensure the safety of the construction of the ride.

A not guilty plea was entered on the firm's behalf at Leeds Crown Court on November 14.

No-one from the company, which has gone into liquidation since the incident, had previously appeared at court hearings to enter pleas.

The owners of the theme park, Lightwater Valley Attractions Ltd, and maintenance electrician Eric Butters, of Harrogate, have admitted breaches of health and safety laws.

Miss Savage, from Wath-upon-Dearne, South Yorkshire, was enjoying a day out with friends from Durham University, where she was studying biomedical sciences, when the accident happened.

All three parties face charges brought by the Health and Safety Executive under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

Lightwater Valley Attractions Ltd is charged with failing to ensure the health and safety of riders, Butters is charged with failing to ensure safety through his work.