A POOL of 24 potential jurors were selected today at Worcester Crown Court for a Stourport murder trial.

The body of Reginald Southall, a 62-year-old lorry driver, was found in the River Severn in December, 2007.

In the dock are his wife, Muriel, and Michael Whitcombe, who both deny murder.

They also plead not guilty to perverting the course of justice by withholding information and making false statements to police about the victim's disappearance and death.

Mrs Southall, 60, of Redstone Lane, Stourport, and 59-year-old Whitcombe, of Worcester Road, Stourport, were remanded in custody by High Court judge Mr Justice Treacy.

A jury is due to be selected tomorrow for the trial, which is expected to last up to five weeks, with evidence from 67 prosecution witnesses.

Mr Southall was discovered in the river below Stourport bridge, 12 days after he disappeared, on December 4, 2007.