A man has been charged following an investigation by Cheshire Police into the theft of more than £10,000 worth of cigarettes from local shops, with a teen also charged with thefts.

Michael Mongan, 26, from Heather Road, Birmingham appeared at Chester Magistrates on Wednesday 11 March to face six charges of theft from a shop.

The charges relate to thefts in Audlem, Sandbach, Middlewich, Knutsford, Wrexham and Ely.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Chester Crown Court on 9 September.

A 15-year-old boy from Cambridge has also been charged with five counts of theft from a shop relating to thefts in Audlem, Sandbach, Middlewich, Knutsford and Wrexham.

The teenager, who can't be named for legal reasons, was bailed with conditions not to enter Cheshire and will appear at Crewe Youth Court on 23 April.

The thefts occurred between Saturday 7 February and Saturday 7 March.