A KEIGHLEY town councillor has been charged with a sexual offence against a child.

Martyn Wood, who lives at Parkwood Rise in the town, appeared before Leeds magistrates on Saturday.

He has been remanded in custody to appear at Bradford Crown Court on August 19.

Wood, 40, was arrested by police last Thursday and was charged with one count of sexual assault on a child.

Keighley Town Council has issued a statement following his court appearance.

Town clerk, Joe Cooney, said: "The town council is aware that a town councillor has been charged with a serious sexual offence.

"We have no further information relating to the offence and it would be inappropriate for us to make any further comment at this time."

Wood represents Morton & Sandbeds on the town council, and chairs its planning committee.

He also stood as a Conservative candidate for Keighley East at the Bradford Council elections in May.