'Coronation Street' stars have been arriving at court to support William Roache who is on trial on charges of sexual offences against girls.

Anne Kirkbride, who plays the actor's on-screen wife Deirdre Barlow, was the first to arrive at Preston Crown Court. She was followed by Chris Gascoyne, who plays his fictional son Peter Barlow.

Helen Worth who plays the character of Gail Platt is also at court. All three actors have been called as part of Roache's defence case.

All the offences are alleged to have happened between 1965 and 1971 and all are said to be against girls aged 16 or under.

The actor (81), who has played the role of Ken Barlow since 1960, denies four charges of indecent assault and two of rape and has told the jury he is not sexually attracted to underage girls.

Granada location manager John Newman earlier told the jury that security at the 'Coronation Street' studios in Manchester was very tight.

He said that strangers found in the corridors would be challenged.

Mr. Newman said that he had once had Manchester's Lord Mayor removed because he had not recognised him.

Under cross-examination, Mr. Newman said he had had no connection with the Granada studios in the 1960s and that the security level had intensified in recent years.

Pictured above: Actress Anne Kirkbride arriving at court