A JUDGE will hear an allegation that a Bury woman deliberately started a fire at a house in Prestwich.

Hanna Ridgley, 29, of Market Street, has appeared before Manchester magistrates, accused of arson reckless as to whether damage would be caused to a property belonging to Margaret Russell, in Beechcroft, would be damaged or life there endangered.

Magistrates committed Ridgely to Minshull Street Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing to take place on June 2.

She was bailed on condition she does not enter Beechcroft or approach Mrs Russell before the next hearing.