AN 81-YEAR-OLD man from Sherborne will appear in court in June as part of an ongoing inquiry into allegations of child abuse dating back to the 1950s.

Roy Griffiths has been charged with eight sexual offences and has been bailed to appear at Lincoln District Magistrates Court on Thursday June 8.

The charges are six counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14 and two counts of inciting a boy under the age of 14 to commit an act of gross indecency.

The charges come as part of Operation Redstone, an inquiry into allegations of abuse dating back to 1958 following a review of past safeguarding cases by the Diocese of Lincoln.

As part of this investigation officers are working in partnership with the Diocese and the Cathedral and are keen to hear from anyone who might have information that could assist the inquiry.

A spokesperson for Lincoln Cathedral said: "The Cathedral has throughout Operation Redstone worked proactively in partnership with Lincolnshire police and stands ready to offer support to anyone who contacts them about issues of harm and abuse. The Cathedral can promise that they will listen attentively to their experiences, walk alongside them in seeking justice and ensure that their voices are heard."

If you would like to talk to the team please contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 quoting incident 208 of April 26 or ask for Operation Redstone during working hours.