A mother and daughter appeared in court yesterday facing charges of human trafficking in connection with an alleged prostitution racket.

Naidle Alves-Tasker, 42, of Marsh Way, Penwortham, and Daniella Tasker, 18, of Cemetery Road, Southport, both faced charges of trafficking persons into the UK for the purposes of sexual exploitation, incitement of people to engage in prostitution and profiting from the proceeds of crime.

The charges relate to activities at the Brazilia Health Studio, Cannon Street, Preston, between April 1, 2005 and October 17, 2005.

The pair were arrested on Monday after a joint operation involving Lancashire police and UK immigration officials, and held overnight at Leyland police station before appearing at Chorley Magistrates' Court. The arrests were part of the national Operation Reflex, a joint initiative between the police and the immigration service.

Neither defendant entered a plea at the hearing.

Prosecuting counsel Joanne Cunliffe told the court that the charges related to the transportation of five women from Brazil to work at the Preston club.

Chairman of the bench, Anne Thomas, remanded Alves-Tasker in custody to await a further hearing.

Daniella Tasker was granted conditional bail on condition she resides permanently at her Southport address and reports to Preston police station on a daily basis, Monday to Friday, and Southport police station at weekends.

Both defendants will appear before the court again on October 26.