A MAN appeared in court today accused of robbing an elderly church worshipper.

Clive Morrison, 44, is alleged to have attacked the 71-year-old victim as he kneeled in prayer at St Bede's RC Church, in Sacriston, County Durham, on the morning of Thursday June 4.

He is accused of striking the man with a piece of wood before making off with his wallet, containing £140.

Acting on information passed on by colleagues in Durham, Mr Morrison, was arrested by Northumbria Police, in Swalwell, near Gateshead, on Saturday evening.

He was questioned in Durham and charged with robbery on Sunday, before appearing before North Durham magistrates, at Consett, today.

The case was sent to Durham Crown Court for a preliminary hearing, on Wednesday June 24, and Mr Morrison, of no fixed abode, was remanded in custody.

Detective Sergeant Amanda Henderson, of Chester-le-Street CID, said she was grateful for the assistance from several members of the public, following previous appeals in the case.