A SPORTS centre assistant has appeared in court charged with sex offences against young girls.

Mark Eyles, 22, of West Auckland Road, Darlington, faces three separate charges of indecent assault against a 15-year-old girl. He faces a further charge of committing an act of gross indecency towards a 14-year-old girl.

The charges against Mr Eyles, who has been suspended from his post as a leisure centre assistant at Darlington's Dolphin Centre, relate to the dates between May 1 and August 31, 1999.

Mr Eyles appeared at Sedgefield Magistrates' Court at Newton Aycliffe yesterday.

The case was adjourned until August 2 and Mr Eyles was granted unconditional bail