A KEARSLEY man charged with stealing ornaments and a soft toy from a grave has appeared before magistrates.

Andrew Balshaw, aged 48, of Holcombe Crescent, Kearsley, is accused of taking the items from the grave of Andrew Holland in St Michael’s Church Yard between January 1 and April 19.

He was also charged with possession of cannabis when he was arrested on April 19.

Balshaw has been remanded on bail until he returns to Bolton Magistrates’ Court to enter a plea on April 25.