A 31-YEAR-OLD man has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with raping a seven year old girl.

Stephen Brown, of Snowdon Avenue, Blackburn, was also charged with two indecent assaults.

The case was sent straight to Preston Crown Court and Brown, who appeared on police bail, was remanded on bail until his appearance there.

As a condition of bail he is not to be in the company of any person under 16 years of age unless accompanied by an adult and not to sleep at any house where children under the age of 16 are resident.