SEVEN people connected to a reptile charity that was raided by the RSPCA and police have appeared in court.

Nick's Arc in Oxford Street, previously called MagnaRep, was shut down by officers in April and the group appeared for a first hearing in Manchester City Magistrates' Court.

Nicholas Wilburn, aged 26, of Bank Lane, Little Hulton, is accused of 15 offences under the Animal Welfare Act including breaching a disqualification order banning him from keeping animals, causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet the needs of various animals and keeping a poisonous snake without a license.

Also accused of offences under the Animal Welfare Act are his husband Ryan Wilburn, aged 26, of the same address, his mother Sue Maddock, aged 67, and his aunt Julie Rowland,aged 62, both of Princess Street, Altrincham.

Cathy Ann Mannix, aged 39, of Oaklands Road, Salford, is accused of aiding and abetting Nicholas Wilburn while Chris Thomson, aged 35, of Deepdale Road, Bolton, and a 16-year-old boy, who can not be identified for legal reasons, are each accused of 15 offences under the Animal Welfare Act.