A SCOUTING volunteer worker has been suspended after being accused of raping a young girl while she was at a camp.

Michael Drinkwater, of Exhange Street, Accrington, appeared before Hyndburn Magistrates charged with five offences of rape, four involving a 13-year-old girl, and a further charge when his victim had turned 14.

The 36-year-old also faces a further charge of committing a serious sexual offence and four of sexual activity without consent.

Many of the offences are alleged to have been committed at Bowley Scout Camp, Great Harwood, between March, 2005, and January this year.

Drinkwater was not a scout leader at the time of the alleged offences but was a member of the Scouting Fellowship, which offers support to the scouting network.

The Scouting Association has now banned him from any contact with anyone from the movement.

A spokesman for the Scouting Association said: "We are aware of the court proceedings involving Michael Drinkwater. The association has co-operated with the statutory agencies to help them with their inquiries.

"Action has been taken to prevent Drinkwater's involvement with the movement as soon as the allegation was reported."

He added: "Scouting is a values-based organisation, which works for and on behalf of its youth members. The Scout Association carries out stringent vetting of all adults who work with young people and requires them to work to strict guidelines outlined in its Young People First Code of Good Practice."

Following the initial court hearing Drinkwater was remanded in custody and will appear at Preston Crown Court on January 17.