Two truck drivers have pleaded not guilty to eight counts of causing death by dangerous driving following a crash on the M1 that left eight people dead.

Two women and six men were killed in the crash involving two lorries and a minibus near Newport Pagnell on August 26.

David Wagstaff, 53, of Stoke-on-Trent, and Ryszard Masierak, 31, of Evesham, Worcestershire deny all charges, with a trial to take place at Aylesbury Crown Court on February 26.

Masierak was remanded in custody, while Wagstaff was given bail.                        

Four minibus passengers were also seriously hurt in the crash on the southbound carriageway. Both defendants denied four counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Wagstaff pleaded guilty to eight counts of death by careless driving, and to careless driving. However, these pleas were not accepted by the Crown and Wagstaff is to stand trial on the more serious charge of death by dangerous driving.