A BOLTON man has made his first appearance in court charged with the multiple rape of a teenage schoolgirl.

Barry Robinson, a 35-year-old supermarket worker, of Eldon Street, Tonge Moor, faces five charges of raping a 14-year-old Farnworth girl.

He is also charged with grooming the teenager for sex.

Robinson was flanked in the dock by two security officers during the 10-minute hearing. He spoke only to confirm his name, age, and address, and to say he understood the charges against him.

The offences are alleged to have taken place at a Blackpool caravan site last Saturday.

Defence lawyer, David Charnley, successfully applied for bail for his client.

Blackpool magistrates sent the case directly to Preston Crown Court.

Robinson was bailed to appear at the Crown Court on October 20. He must live at his given address and not contact the complainant as conditions of his bail.