A FORMER choirmaster has been charged with sexual assaults against 11 children during a 33-year period.

Mark Burgess, of St Chads Avenue, Portsmouth, Hampshire, faces 58 counts including buggery, indecent assault, gross indecency with a child, inciting sexual activity with a child, and sexual touching.

A Hampshire Police spokesman said: “The offences relate to 11 children, who were under the age of 16, during Burgess’ time as a choirmaster for All Saints Choir in Portsmouth and Westbourne Choir in Sussex between 1976 and 2009.”

The 66-year-old has been bailed to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on March 3.