THREE Greek doctors convicted and later cleared of the manslaughter of a North-East holidaymaker seven years ago are to face a fresh trial.

The Greek Supreme Court has backed a recommendation made earlier this year by three high court judges that the medics at the Andreas Papandreou Hospital, on the island of Rhodes, should be prosecuted again over the death of Christopher Rochester, 24, of Chester-le-Street.

He fell 40ft from a hotel balcony in June 2000 while visiting his brother, who was working as a DJ, and died of internal bleeding after being left on a hospital trolley for three hours.

Charges were brought against hospital doctors Sergios Pavlidis, George Karavolias and Michael Sokorelos after a campaign by Mr Rochester's family.

In 2003, the doctors were convicted and sentenced to three years in jail, but the sentences were suspended pending an appeal and, in 2005, they were acquitted after an appeal hearing.

Mr Rochester's parents, Pam and George Cummings, have since fought for a re-trial, claiming that the appeal hearing was biased against them.

The three high court judges and now the Supreme Court have ruled that another trial should take place.

Mr Cummings said the family was pleased with the decision and had requested that the new trial be held in Athens because of strong feeling against them on the island.

He said the hearing was likely to be held in February and November and that the family now has to find between £4,000 and £6,000 to cover legal costs.

Mr Cummings said: "The family's one and only worry is not having the money in place and the doctors having no case to answer because we don't have a legal team."

North Durham MP Kevan Jones, who has supported the family throughout, said: "We should give credit to the family for their tenacity in fighting for justice for their son. To get the High Court in Athens to overturn a decision is no mean feat."

Mr Cummings said people in the region had already given the family great support in fund-raising and that street collectors would be out in Chester-le-Street Front Street on Saturday, October 13. Anyone who can help is asked to call 07707-877005.