SPAIN has finally approved the extradition of a man who will now face police questioning over the parcel-bomb murder of a Kent housewife almost 20 years ago.

Keith Cottingham, 71, was arrested by Spanish police more than a year ago. He appealed unsuccessfully against his extradition in April and July but no action could be taken until the country's cabinet approved the decision.

That has now taken place and Kent Police are making arrangements with Spanish authorities to return him to the UK to face questioning over the nail-bomb murder of 53-year-old Barbara Harrold in May 1984 at her £1million home in The Street, Ightham.

Mr Cottingham, a former environmental health officer with Canterbury council, has always denied any involvement in the murder. He has been living in his villa on the Costa Blanca since 1984.

Mrs Harrold, a grandmother, died three days after a gift-wrapped bomb, posted in Ashford Road, Bearsted, near Maidstone, and containing air gun pellets and nails, exploded as she opened it.

Mr Cottingham was arrested following changes to extradition rules, which mean that an earlier order enabling extradition proceedings from Spain now works retrospectively.