The company which runs the pit where a miner died earlier this week appeared in court today in relation to the death of another worker at the same colliery.

UK Coal appeared at Pontefract Magistrates' Court accused of failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees at Kellingley Colliery.

Ian Cameron, 46, died when equipment fell on him at the North Yorkshire pit in October 2009.

Earlier this week, Gerry Gibson, 49, died at Kellingley after a roof fall.

His death was the third at the colliery in three years after that of Mr Cameron and miner Don Cook, who died in a rock fall in September 2008.

Doncaster-based UK Coal appeared in court today alongside Worcester-based mining equipment firm Joy Mining Machinery Ltd to face a number of health and safety charges.

The company is accused of failing to ensure that powered roof supports at a coal face at the pit were "maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair".

It is also charged with exposing people to health and safety risks at the coal face and not ensuring the health and safety of its employees, including Mr Cameron.

Joy Mining Machinery faces one charge of failing to ensure that people, including UK Coal, were provided with all necessary information about health and safety risks in relation to using the powered roof supports.

The case was adjourned until October 24.