Five Greek medics went on trial today over a British holidaymaker who was allegedly left to die in a Rhodes hospital after falling from a hotel balcony.

The three doctors, one male nurse and one female nurse were charged with manslaughter by negligence after the family of Christopher Rochester campaigned to have them prosecuted.

The 24-year-old, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, died in June 2000 and his family have made two previous trips to the sunshine island only for the criminal proceedings to be adjourned at the defendant's request.

Christopher's mother Pam Cummings was today addressing the court at the start of the proceedings.

Under Greek law, the relatives of victims are allowed to address judges about their loss and how the death affected their family.