NSW man charged over historical child rape

A man has been charged with the alleged rape of a teenage member of a NSW church boy's brigade more than 20 years ago.

The man, now 47, allegedly abused a boy then aged under 16 several times between 1985 and 1990 in Newcastle.

Police arrested the man at his Gateshead home on Tuesday afternoon.

"He was charged with eight offences, including sexual assault and sexual intercourse person under 16 years," police said.

The man was granted conditional bail to appear before Belmont Local Court on November 5.