TWO men from Eastleigh charged with a string of robberies at betting shops across Dorset and Hampshire have been remanded in custody.

The pair appeared before Southampton magistrates on Saturday to jointly face eight charges of robbery and a further eight charges of possession of a bladed article.

They are accused of carrying out raids over an 18-day period last month in Southampton, Romsey, Holbury, Hedge End, Chandlers Ford, Bitterne West Moors, and Poole,.

James Frampton, 29, of Byron Road, Eastleigh and Michael Purkiss, 55, of Arthur Road, Eastleigh were committed in custody to Southampton Crown Court where they are due to appear on Friday March 8.