AN engineering firm which was involved in the successful bid to break the world land speed record has denied contravening heath and safety law.

PDS CNC Engineering, of Riverside Business Centre, Cliffe Street, Nelson, is charged with failing to comply with health and safety regulations covering the use of work equipment in that it failed to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery.

The firm's managing director, Christopher Woodcock, appeared at Reedley Magistrates Court yesterday and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecution was brought by the Health and Safety Executive following an incident in which a worker was allegedly injured while using a grinding machine, the court was told.

The case was adjourned for 14 days to allow a trial date to be fixed. Mr Woodcock and John Getty, the company chairman, are due to appear as defence witnesses.

PDS acquired a worldwide reputation after providing precision parts for the successful Thrust world land speed record bid last year.

The company is currently working on the Quicksilver speedboat, a bid to break the water speed record due to take place on Coniston Water next year.

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