A suspected burglar has been arrested and charged following a spree of thefts that saw charity money, cigarettes and a telescope stolen on the Kent coast.

The items were reportedly taken during five incidents across Thanet over the past four months.

The most recent break-ins were at a shop in Broadstairs which was plundered of cigarettes on February 26 and March 1.

There were also two burglaries at the Co-op in Westgate on October 24 and February 23, during which goods and the contents of a charity tin were stolen.

A telescope was also taken from a beach hut in the same town on October 24.

Police later arrested and charged James Barnes, of no fixed address, in connection with the incidents.

The 39-year-old appeared before Folkestone magistrates last week, where he was remanded in custody.

His case will next be heard at Canterbury Crown Court on a date to be confirmed.