A TUTOR known to his pupils as Mr Music has been charged with a string of sex offences on girls.

Clifford Barratt, 71, the former music coordinator with Gateshead Borough Council, was arrested in connection with abuse allegations dating back 20 years.

Child protection police investigated claims by women who said they were abused as children.

Mr Barratt, of Low Fell, Gateshead, was charged with 22 offences, including rape, indecent assault and another serious sexual offence on four girls under the age of 16.

He appeared before Gateshead magistrates on Friday where the charges were outlined.