A Conservative MP is to appear in court after being charged with making false claims for parliamentary expenses.

The Crown Prosecution Service in England and Wales said Christopher Davies, the MP for Brecon and Radnor, is accused of two counts of making a false instrument and one of providing false or misleading information in relation to allowance claims.

He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on March 22.

In a statement, the CPS said it had received a file of evidence from the Metropolitan Police relating to allegations that Mr Davies falsified two invoices in support of parliamentary expenses claims.

A spokesman said: "Following a review of the evidence, the CPS has today charged Mr Davies with two offences of making a false instrument and one offence of providing false or misleading information for allowance claims.

"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Davies are now active and that he has a right to a fair trial.

"It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."