POLICE divers searched a reservoir for the body of a missing businessman six weeks before a man is due to stand trial for murder.

David Guilfoyle, 37, of Royds Avenue, Accrington, has not been seen since leaving a pub in his racing green Jaguar XK8 after watching the Champions League final last May.

Shane Fitzpatrick, 36, of Lyndale Road, Hapton, has pleaded not guilty to Mr Guilfoyle's murder and is due to stand trial at Preston Crown Court on March 13.

Extensive searches of waters and woodland across East Lancashire were carried out last year in the hunt for Mr Guilfoyle's body.

Yesterday police divers resumed their searches by scouring Ponden Reservoir, off the B6142 near Haworth in West Yorkshire.

Police said they were not acting on any new information, but consulted with an expert at the Kent-based National Crime and Operational Faculty, who recommended the move.

Over the next few days other areas on the border with Yorkshire will be searched.

Detective Superintendent Steve Brunskill said: "We have received no information in relation to the whereabouts of David Guilfoyle, but we are determined to explore any further areas based on the best professional advice available.

"Mr Guilfoyle's family are aware of these further searches and naturally, like us, they are hoping we are successful."

Mr Guilfoyle, a father of one, went missing on Wednesday, May 25, 2005 after leaving the Grey Horse pub, Whalley Road, Accrington.

He was said to have been in a happy mood after watching Liverpool clinch a dramatic penalties win over AC Milan in the Champions League final.