A prisoner accused of robbing a building society in Macclesfield while on the run has gone on trial.

Martin David Dawson, 49, is accused of holding up Britannia Building Society on Castle Street, Macclesfield, in August 2013 after escaping from prison.

Dawson was arrested on August 29 after ​the robbery​ was featured on BBC’s Crimewatch programme.

He denies two counts of robbery, escaping lawful custody and two counts of possessing a firearm.

The other robbery charge relates to an alleged incident at the Britannia Building Society in Shropshire on June 29.

The trial at Stafford Crown Court started today (Wednesday) is expected to last four weeks.