A MAN has been charged with the rape of a teenager in Minehead - six years after the alleged offence.

The prosecution of 37-year-old Robert John Smith is the result of a forensic review by the Major Crime Review team, followed by a substantial amount of work identifying witnesses and securing available evidence.

Smith will appear before Taunton Deane magistrates next Tuesday (September 28).

Detective constable Clare Nelson said: "Whilst the investigation has yet to proceed through the court process, it is hoped that this enquiry so far will give victims of rape the knowledge that we never stop investigating and that if they have the courage to come forward we will continue to do all we can to bring the offenders to justice."

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset police was unable to confirm Smith's address but said he was living outside the force area.

The rape is alleged to have taken place on September 18 2004, when the teenager was 16 years old.

Support is available for victims of rape and sexual assault on 0117 342 6999 or at http://www.turntothebridge.org">www.turntothebridge.org.