THE director of a Sacriston-based charity providing after-school care for children has resigned 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.

This week 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 on Sunday, November 19.

He was charged and appeared before Chester-le-Street magistrates' court last Friday.

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

A Durham Police spokesman 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 Julie Graham Children's Charity was set up five years ago in memory of a 13-year-old local girl who died from a mystery illness.

Julie had been part of a group of young people who were 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, Finchael, Framwellgate Moor, Belmont and Chester-le-Street.

In March it was awarded a £193,811 from the National Lotteries New Opportunities Fund 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."