Four people have been charged with stealing antiques from auction houses in Sussex and elsewhere in the country.

Darryl Aldridge, 46, of New Barn Road, Shoreham, is due to appear at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Thursday, accused of nine burglaries.

Items allegedly stolen included antique clocks, jewellery, vases, figurines, and furniture, with an estimated value of £200,000.

Two took place at Gorringes in Lewes in May and June last year.

Three took place in Toovey's, in Washington, near Storrington, in May, June and October, and one at Denhams in Warnham, near Horsham, in July last year.

Three others took place at Concord in Cranbrook, Kent, in June 2011, at Stroud Auctions in Stroud, Gloucestershire, in October 2011, and at JS Auctions in Banbury, Oxfordshire, in July 2011.

He is also accused of a theft at Toovey's in October last year, possession of cannabis and amphetamine, and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Police said property with an estimated value of £160,000 has been recovered.

Kelly Lambert, 39, of Lavender Hill, Shoreham, has been charged with theft at Tooveys in October 2011, Anthony Townsend, 49, of Upper Lewes Road, Brighton, has been charged with the burglary at Stroud Auctions, and Anthony Fortune, 54, of Park Road, Worthing has been charged with perverting the course of justice.