A BLACKBURN man has been charged with manslaughter after a man drowned in a vat of paint at a car factory.

Peter Preston, 50, of Rowan Park, Blackburn, is one of two company directors charged in connection with the incident in August 2000. Christopher Shute was working at the Ford vehicle factory in Southampton when he tumbled into the thick, toxic liquid.

The 30-year-old to hospital was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Mr Shute, of Southampton, was a contract worker employed by Philips Services Ltd.

Preston, along with fellow company director Paul McKenzie, of Hartford, Cheshire, have been bailed by police.

Police have so far refused to say how they are connected with the case and of which companies they are directors. They are due to appear in court on March 6.

A spokesman for Hampshire Police said: "Mr Shute died after falling into a tank of paint which was being operated by staff from Philips Services Ltd. Two men have been charged with manslaughter following his death."

The spokesman added: "The Health and Safety Executive is also taking legal action against three companies concerning the incidents."