Potential jurors urged to make sure they can attend epic trial

Jury selection has begun in the trial of Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson for charges linked to phone hacking and alleged corrupt payments to public officials.

Former News International chief executive Brooks and ex-British government spin doctor Coulson, both 45, appeared at the Old Bailey for the first day of proceedings that could take up to six months.

A panel of around 80 potential jurors were brought into the wood-panelled court 12 at around 12.30pm, and whittled down to 33 possible panel members. They were asked to fill in a questionnaire and given until today to make sure they can commit to the full length of the trial.