THE parents of six children killed in a house fire will go on trial for their murder next year.

At a preliminary hearing at Nottingham Crown Court today Mick Philpott, 55, and his wife Mairead, 31, who was caressing a crucifix on a long chain worn around her neck, were told they will go on trial next January.

The couple are charged with murder following a blaze at their home on Victory Road in Allenton, Derby, on May 11.

Jade Philpott, 10, and brothers John, nine, Jack, eight, Jessie, six and Jayden, five, all died in the fire. Duwayne, 13, died in Birmingham Children’s Hospital two days later.

There was a packed public gallery for the short hearing but no outbursts like at the couple's two previous court appearances.

Mrs Philpott, who wore a beige knitted jumper, could be seen to kiss the crucifix she was wearing around while Mr Philpott, who wore a purple jumper, black tracksuit bottoms and a St Christopher, stared straight ahead in the dock.

The judge, the Honourable Mr Justice Charles Haddon-Cave, told them they would go on trial for murder on January 14 next year.

No applications for bail were made. The couple were remanded into custody to next appear for a plea and case management hearing at Nottingham Crown Court on November 5.

Today's hearing comes ahead of a funeral service for the six children.