MAYOR of Pembroke, Cllr Dai Boswell, facing a charge of the historic rape of a child, has stood aside from the role.

Cllr Boswell, who is also the Conservative county councillor for Pembroke St Mary North, has been charged with six counts of indecent assault and one charge of rape.

The charges relate to two alleged victims, said to be under the age of 13 at the time and dating back to the early nineties.

Cllr Boswell won the Pembroke St Mary North election in May by just six votes.

Cllr Boswell served in the Army for more than 12 years and is also well known locally as district parade marshal for the Royal British Legion.

He has been summonsed to Haverfordwest magistrates court to answer the charges on September 13.

Pembrokeshire County Council said: "This is a Police and CPS matter and the Council can make no further comment at this time.

"Pembrokeshire County Council continues to keep under review all necessary safeguarding measures pending the outcome of any prosecution."

A Conservative Party spokesman, said: "He has been suspended from membership of the Conservative party."

Following a special meeting of Pembroke Town Council last night, August 24, a statement was issued: "In the light of current circumstances Councillor David Boswell has decided to stand aside his role as the Mayor of Pembroke until further notice."

Cllr Boswell's duties as mayor will be performed in the interim by deputy mayor Cllr Linda Brown.