A MAN has been charged with robbery after an elderly woman had her handbag, cash and bank cards stolen on a town centre street.

The incident happened near Newent Post Office in Church Street just before midday on Monday, January 28.

Police said they were quickly on the scene and made an arrest later that day following information from members of the public.

Paul Hale, aged 38, of Lightfoot, Newent, was remanded in custody when he appeared before Cheltenham magistrates on Wednesday, January 30, and will next appear at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday, February 22.