AN INQUIRY has been launched into a unique charity which provides care for children with cerebral palsy from across the region.

The Lee Sykes Centre, in Wirral, is being forced to close amid alleged irregularities in its fundraising activities and management.

Parents of children at the centre say they are "devastated." The Charity Commission has launched a formal inquiry, which is the second in the centre's history.

In 1998, concerns were raised about competition tickets being sold unlawfully on behalf of the charity.

The centre is the only one of its kind in the region. Teachers from the world-renowned Peto Institute, in Budapest, use special therapy techniques to help the children battle the condition which affects mobility and co-ordination.

The centre is part of the Sunderland Pace charity, started by Syd Sykes in 1997. It is named after his son, who has the condition.

A spokesman for the centre said: "Mr Sykes has gone away for a week and has no comment to make."