A jury has been chosen in for the trial of a man accused of bludgeoning a pensioner to death.

Mark Love, of Staplehurst, is charged in connection with 73-year-old Roy Blackman's murder.

The 38-year-old, of Frittenden Road, is also accused of aggravated burglary in connection with a separate raid on the home of a champion shooter in Rye, during which he is alleged to have armed himself with a hammer and a taser.

This afternoon a jury of seven men and five women, with three women as reserves, was chosen and will be sworn in tomorrow morning.

The Maidstone Crown Court trial is expected to last three weeks but Judge Philip Statman warned it could extend to the middle of October.

"We are pretty confident it is in all likelihood going to take less time than that," he added. "I am asking you to go the extra mile for us by making yourselves available for longer than would normally be the case."

The body of Mr Blackman, a mechanic and rare bird breeder, was discovered at his home in Headcorn Road, Biddenden, in March.

A large safe was allegedly stolen and remains missing.

Love, who has denied both offences, was arrested and charged in April.