A MAN has pleaded not guilty to seriously wounding his best friend by allegedly stabbing him in the neck with a shard of glass.

Lance Henry, 21, of Portland Street, Accrington, denies wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm to Craig Sykes and will now stand trial for the offence.

Father-of-one Craig, of Slaidburn Drive, Accrington, spent four days in Royal Blackburn Hospital following the alleged attack in February. He lost six-pints of blood and was saved by quick-thinking policeman PC Richard Thompson, who managed to administer emergency first aid.

The trial is set for June 23.

The defendant was remanded on bail by Judge Edward Slinger. His bail includes a condition of residence in Manchester and another not to enter the Hyndburn area.