THE leader of a youth organisation has been suspended while claims that a sex offender was living with him are investigated.

Chris Jones runs Herrington Burn YMCA in Sunderland where hundreds of youngsters take part in a wide variety of activities.

The management committee suspended him following complaints that Mr Jones, who is also a magistrate, had a sex offender living at his home on the site.

There is no suggestion any abuse has taken place and the police have not been called in.

Management committee chairman Simon Weightman said that Mr Jones had been suspended pending an investigation "into a matter of professional judgment".

He said: "We have appointed an independent group that has a good association with the YMCA to carry out the investigation.

"When the results are known, I will be able to release relevant information, providing it isn't sub-judice."

Mr Weightman said that the committee was looking to find Mr Jones alternative accommodation