The director of the failed New Pyjamas Campaign, who authorised the spending of £500,000 yet raised just £60,000 in ten months, has been charged with what is believed to be expenses fraud.

Elaine McGonigle will appear in court next month following a six-month investigation into her time at the Sick Kids Friends Foundation (SKFF).

A spokesman for SKFF said the charity has cooperated fully with the police but that it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.

It is believed that the discrepancies came to light as the charity was preparing for an employment tribunal brought by McGonigle.

There is no suggestion that these allegations are related to the failure of the New Pyjamas Campaign, which was aiming to raise £15m.

The charity was cleared of wrongdoing in September following an OSCR investigation.