A 23-YEAR-OLD man is to appear in court after being charged over the deaths of eight swans at a beauty spot.

The man, who has not been named but lives in Burslem, has been charged with killing eight swans.

He has been bailed to appear at North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, September 14.

Police started their investigation after the RSPCA discovered the dead swans at Ford Green Hall nature reserve, in Smallthorne, on May 14.

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "Three other men arrested as part of the same inquiry still remain on police bail, pending further inquiries.

"We would like to thank members of the community for their continued support over this ongoing investigation."