A MAN was due to appear in court today charged with killing Thornbury vicar John Suddards and retired teacher Betty Yates.

Stephen Farrow, 47, was charged late yesterday with two counts of murder by Avon and Somerset Police and their West Mercia colleagues.

Detectives from the two forces have been working together since the body of the Rev Suddards, 59, was found in the hallway of his vicarage in Castle Street, Thornbury, last week.

Mrs Yates, 77, was found dead at the bottom of stairs at her home in Bewdley, Worcestershire, last month. Both had been stabbed.

Farrow is accused of the murder of Mr Suddards, right, between February 13 and 14 and killing Mrs Yates between January 1 and 5.

He also faces a charge of burglary relating to a property in Thornbury between December 21 last year and January 3.

He was set to appear at North Avon Magistrates' Court in Yate.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Crisp, of Avon and Somerset's major crime investigation team, was joined by West Mercia's Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson in thanking the public for the support shown during the investigation to date.

Sian Sullivan, senior district prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Having reviewed this case in line with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, I have today decided that there is sufficient evidence to charge Stephen Farrow with the murders of Betty Yates and John Suddards. I have also authorised a charge of burglary at a separate address in Thornbury.

"I would like to remind all concerned that Stephen Farrow now stands charged with criminal offences and has the right to a fair trial. It is very important that nothing is said or reported which could prejudice a trial."

Anyone with information about Mr Suddards' death should call the police on 101.