A Kent councillor awaiting trial on a string of child sex offences has been released on bail.

Martin Fisher, who represents Canterbury's Tankerton ward, has been suspended by the Conservatives following his arrest last month.

He was granted bail in his absence during a hearing at Canterbury Magistrates Court on May 13.

Fisher, of Queens Road, Whitstable, also runs a lettings business in Sittngbourne with his wife and son.

The 60-year-old is charged with 20 separate offences, including indecent assault, sexual touching and making and possessing indecent images of children.

Some of the offences date back as far as 30 years ago.

Bail was set at £25,000 and Mr Fisher will reside at an address in Sittingbourne, close to his business.

He has had to surrender his passport, must not apply for travel documents and will not be allowed internet access.

He will be electronically tagged and subjected to a curfew between 9pm and 7am.

He is also not permitted to contact any of the complainants in his case and is not allowed contact with any person under the age of 16, unless supervised by a parent or guardian.

He is expected to be committed for a crown court trial during his next appearance at Canterbury Magistrates' Court on Thursday, May 27.