THE director of a charity providing after-school care for children has quit after being accused of child sex offences.

Philip Hemmans resigned from his position at the Julie Graham Children's Charity following his arrest earlier this month.

The 33-year-old faces charges of indecent assault and unlawful sexual intercourse.

Last night, the charity said the allegations were nothing to do with their children's clubs and were a personal matter for Mr Hemmans.

He was arrested by police at his home in Sacriston, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, on Sunday, November 19.

Mr Hemmans was charged and appeared before Chester-le-Street Magistrates' Court last Friday.

The case was adjourned to a date in January, when it is expected to be transferred to the crown court. Mr Hemmans was granted bail.

A spokesman for Durham Police said: "A 33-year-old man was arrested on November 19 and charged on November 21 with indecent assault and unlawful sexual intercourse. He appeared before Chester-le-Street magistrates on Friday."

The Sacriston-based Julie Graham Children's Charity was set up five years ago in memory of the 13-year-old local girl who died from a mystery illness.

Julie had been part of a group of young people who set about raising funds for a toy library.

The charity runs out-of-school clubs for children aged four to 14, at Sacriston, Pelton, Ushaw Moor, Benfieldside, Finchale, Fram-wellgate Moor, Belmont and Chester-le-Street.

In March, it was awarded a £193,811 National Lottery New Opportunities Fund grant to extend four of its existing clubs and open three more at West Rainton, Bowburn and Lanchester, creating 600 extra child care places and 34 new jobs.

The clubs offer a wide range of activities, including arts and crafts, computer games, sports and outings.

A charity spokesman said: "Mr Hemmans has resigned.

"The allegations have nothing to do with the charity or anything connected with the charity. It is a personal issue."

A spokeswoman for Durham County Council confirmed that the Julie Graham Children's Charity has the necessary social services' accreditation.

"The charity is registered with the county council's social services department as a provider of out-of-school care, and has been for a number of years."

As a condition of his bail, it is understood Mr Hemmans is living at an address out of the area.

The charity has a fund-raising charity shop on Front Street, in his home village of Sacriston