A MAN accused of serious sexual offences against a boy and girl appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates.

Christopher Blake, of Albert Road, Rochford, Essex, faced two charges of rape and three of indecent assault, against a girl, between February 24, 1997, and February 4, 1999, when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court this morning (Tuesday).

He is also accused of inciting a boy aged under 14 years to commit an act of gross indecency with him, sometime between October 15, 1999, and October 14, 2003.

The 37-year-old was bailed to reappear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at the Isle of Crown Court on July 4.