A 36-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with raping a woman in a North Devon town.

Gary Gunstone, of Moreton Avenue, Bideford, appeared before North Devon Magistrates' Court on Monday this week.

He was accused of raping a 30-year-old woman in a Bideford street at about midnight on Friday, August 27.

Gunstone spoke only to confirm his name and to say "yes" when asked if he understood the charge put against him.

The case was committed for trial at Exeter Crown Court and there will be a preliminary hearing there on September 10.

There was no application for bail and the defendant was remanded in custody.