A woman will stand trial on a charge of causing death by dangerous driving early next year after a mattress fell from her car on a busy dual carriageway.

Rebecca Miller, of The Lindens, Aylesford, denied the charge when she appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today.

The 39-year-old, formerly of Summerson Close, Rochester, is accused of causing the death of retired security guard Clive Mauger, 69, on Blue Bell Hill between Chatham and Maidstone on January 30.

The pensioner was driving a Peugeot 206 when he was believed to have swerved to avoid the mattress on the Maidstone-bound carriageway of the A229 and hit trees at the side of the road.

The father-of-four, who also had two grandchildren and lived in Chatham, was on his way to visit a sick friend just after 4.30pm.

The accident happened near the Shell petrol station. The road was closed until 11.20pm while officers conducted inquiries.

Judge Jeremy Carey set a trial date for February 5. Miller, who was driving a Peugeot 2008, was bailed until then.