CORONATION Street actor Michael Le Vell, who lives in Hale, has been charged with a series of sex offences, including raping a child.

Greater Manchester Police has confirmed he is also accused of indecently assaulting a child and sexual activity with a child.

The actor, 48, who plays Kevin Webster in the ITV1 soap, faces a total of 19 charges relating to crimes allegedly committed between 2001 and 2010. He was charged under his real name, Michael Turner. He is due to appear before magistrates in Manchester on February 27.

Allegations were made against Mr Le Vell, who lives on Byrom Street, in 2011 but the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to prosecute at that time.

But Alison Levitt QC, principal legal adviser to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Said: "I have very carefully reviewed the evidence in this case and I have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to charge Michael Robert Turner with a number of sexual offences.

"I have authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Mr Turner with 19 offences, including rape of a child.

"Mr Turner has now been charged with criminal offences and has a right to a fair trial."

The actor has played the role of garage mechanic Kevin Webster for 30 years, making him one of the longest-serving performers in Coronation Street.