A MAN has been charged after a woman suffered a terrifying ordeal in her own home in Clayton-le-Moors.

Karl Vickers, 38, of York Close, Clayton, appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court on Saturday charged with rape and burglary in connection with the incident.

The 51-year-old woman was asleep when an intruder broke into her house in the early hours of last Wednesday.

She woke up and was allegedly subjected to the sexual assault before being locked in her garden shed.

The offender then stole several bank cards which were used that same morning in cash machines in Great Harwood.

Last week a 30-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident along with two 25-year-old men from Blackburn. All three suspects were released without charge but the 30-year-old was cautioned for a drug-related matter.

Vickers was remanded in custody to appear at Preston Crown Court on 30 January.