TWO men are to appear in court accused of harassing Dave, the solitary dolphin seen swimming near to the coast between Folkestone and Hythe for about a year.

Michael Jukes, 26, a pipe fitter, and Daniel Buck, 25, a ground worker, both from Folkestone, have been charged under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

They were arrested by Kent Police on Saturday. They have been released on unconditional bail and are now due to appear before magistrates at Folkestone on Thursday (June 14).

Over a period of several months animal welfare charities have been concerned about people causing distress or alarm to the dolphin, often by getting too close to him.