One, who lives in West Bradford, was found guilty of 22 charges, including rape, while the other was convicted of a single charge of indecent assault.

The pair now face sentencing next month after pre-sentence reports have been prepared by the probation service.

They had claimed in their defence at a Preston Crown Court trial the allegations against them were lies.

Alan Hughes (50), of Eaves Hall Lane, West Bradford, was found guilty of four charges of rape, two of assault by beating, two of indecency with a child, plus 14 other charges of indecent assault.

His brother, Bertram Hughes (45), of Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey, was convicted of one offence of indecent assault. He was found not guilty, on the judge's direction, of four other charges alleging indecent assault.

Mr Jeremy Lasker (prosecuting) had told the jury two of the girls were regular victims of sexual activity in many forms.

The first girl, now an adult, was abused over an eight-year period in the 1990s and lost her virginity to Alan Hughes who involved her "in all manner of sexual behaviour".

When the girl had angered Alan Hughes, he used violence and punched and kicked her, say the prosecution. She was raped when she was a teenager.

The second girl was also a teenager when she was allegedly abused by Alan Hughes after being plied with drink.

Mr Lasker said the third girl was sexually abused when the opportunity arose. Alan Hughes had had sex with her by the time she was 14.

The jury was told some of the offences were committed in Earby and some in Wales.

Mr Lasker told the jury that what happened amounted to the "most dreadful behaviour".

Alan Hughes had allegedly told the first girl he "could get done" and "put away". Matters came to light when a complaint was made, and when interviewed by police both men denied the offences.

Following the unanimous verdicts, Judge Michael Byrne told the jury: "There clearly will have to be substantial sentences, but I need a lot of information before I can even begin to consider that."

Bail was refused each of the defendants.

Sentencing will take place on Thursday, September 18th.