The boss of Forest YMCA has announced has stepped down from the charity with immediate effect.

Timothy Pain, chief executive of the charity based in Forest Road, Walthamstow, has resigned because of poor health.

Mr Pain is said to have been planning to leave at a later date, but has been forced to bring the date forward.

He has been with Forest YMCA for five years and was described by the charity as a "driving force behind the organisation’s rebrand".

He has led a range of high-profile projects, including the mYPad project, which invloves young homeless people living in former shipping containers while they save for a home, and the £4million refurbishment of accommodation at the charity’s headquarters.

Christine Brown, chairwoman of Forest YMCA’s Board of Trustees, said: “It is with deep regret that we announce the departure of our CEO, Timothy Pain.

“Tim has made the difficult decision to accelerate his resignation, which was planned for later on in the year, because of ill health.

“Tim tirelessly committed himself to all aspects of Forest YMCA’s work with young vulnerable homeless people and successfully steered the organisation through some very tough times.

“Under his leadership we have had some outstanding achievements and considerably expanded our work with young people and the immediate community - he has left a great legacy. On behalf of all staff at Forest YMCA, we wish him all the best.”

Mr Pain came under the spotlight in 2011 when ‘financial irregularities’ at the charity were highlighted, suggesting that £330,000 of tax had been unpaid.

The money was paid back with an extra £20,000 in interest, according to documents seen by the Guardian.

The Board of Trustees are currently exploring options available and, in the interim, directors of the will manage day-to-day operations.