An Epping-based children’s charity has refused to comment on the future of sex offender Max Clifford as one of its patrons.

The Rhys Daniels Trust still lists Clifford, 71, as one of its patrons, despite his conviction yesterday on eight counts of indecent assault, half of which were against a 15-year-old girl in 1977.

Woking and Sam Beare Hospices and Shooting Star Chase children’s hospice in Surrey have already broken ties with Clifford.

The Rhys Daniels Trust, in High Street, Epping, was started in 1994 and provides free accommodation at hospitals enabling families to stay close to children receiving treatment for life-threatening illness.

The trust’s founder, Barry Daniels, is currently unavailable but will return next week when a statement regarding Max Clifford’s affiliation with the charity is expected to be released.