Challenges to the decision not to charge former Elmbridge resident Sir Cliff Richard following historical sexual assault claims have been rejected by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Sir Cliff, who lived in St George’s Hill for more than 20 years and was given the freedom of the borough, was told in June that he would not face further action over the allegations of historical sexual abuse, but the decision was later appealed.

A CPS spokesman said today: "On 16 June, the CPS announced that no criminal charges were to be brought as a result of Operation Kaddie.

"The CPS subsequently received applications to review two of the charging decisions under the Victims' Right to Review scheme.

"In accordance with the scheme, a CPS lawyer who was not involved in the original decision-making process has completed a full review of the evidence and has concluded that the decisions not to charge were correct."

Sir Cliff said: "As I have said previously I'm innocent, so I'm obviously pleased with today's CPS decision and the speed with which they reached it. I hope that it brings this matter to a close."