A TEIGNMOUTH undertaker has been accused of stealing collection money intended for charities.

Robert Loveridge, of Harris & Loveridge, is alleged to have taken cash and cheques to a value of more than £5,000 between July 1, 2007, and December 31, 2016.

Police launched an investigation and interviewed Mr Loveridge after complaints from several bereaved people that donations given at funerals had apparently not been received by the nominated charities.

A file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service and Mr Loveridge has now been summonsed to appear before magistrates at a date to be fixed.

Harris & Loveridge Funeral Services are based in Willow Street, Teignmouth.