A town councillor has been accused of sexually assaulting four teenage girls.

James Anderson, 33, who grew up in Herne Bay, faces six charges involving alleged victims aged between 14 and 17.

The reported offences are said to have occurred between 2013 and 2017.

Anderson, who went to Briary Primary School and Herne Bay High, is due to appear before Brighton Magistrates' Court on February 22.

He grew up in Greenhill but now represents an independent group called Trust Uckfield on Uckfield Town Council and runs a discount shop in the town's High Street.

The prosecution follows an investigation by detectives from the East Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit.

DI Viv Johnson said; "Anyone with concerns when learning of such a case can always contact us online or by calling 101, and can arrange to speak in confidence to experienced investigators."