A RUNCORN canoe factory where a worker perished to death in an industrial oven is facing corporate manslaughter charges.

Pyranha Mouldings Ltd, a canoe and kayak manufacturer, in Aston Lane, Whitehouse Industrial Estate, is facing one charge of corporate manslaughter and two charges under section two and section six of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

It follows the death of Alan Catterall, aged 54, from Sawley Close, Murdishaw, Runcorn, on December 23, 2010.

Mr Catterall had worked at the factory for 10 years and was on an early shift when he sustained fatal injuries.

Company employees are also facing charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Graham Mackereth, aged 64, from Preston Brook, Runcorn, faces charges under section two.

Peter Mackereth, aged 59, from Llangollen in Wales, is charged under section two and section six.

Paul Keddie, 48, from Llangollen in Wales, is facing a charge under section three.

They have all been summonsed to appear before Liverpool Magistrates Court on Thursday, February 27.