SUPPORTERS of street children's campaigner Bruce Harris have reacted with sadness and scepticism following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a teenager.

Bruce Harris, from Ridge near Wareham, has won international acclaim for his work helping street children in South America, despite facing repeated death threats.

Earlier this year a BBC TV documentary followed his undercover work to combat child prostitution in Costa Rica.

The married father-of-two, who was awarded the OBE for his work, recently stepped down from his post as executive director of children's rights group Casa Alianza following allegations he paid a 19-year-old male for sexual favours in a motel in Tegucigalpa, capital of Honduras.

The former Swanage Grammar School pupil has pledged to co-operate with prosecutors in Honduras.

Iain Kidson, chairman of Swanage Grammarians Association, which has raised thousands of pounds for Casa Alianza, described the news as a "disaster for Latin American children".

Mr Kidson said: "It clearly crossed our minds that these are fabricated allegations. We are are assuming that Casa Alianza, who are much more experienced in this field than we are, would have asked that same question."

Mr Kidson also stated: "Bruce's courage in speaking out at great personal risk about the appalling treatment of children in some countries in Latin America has been an example to us all.

"It appears from press reports that Bruce may have succumbed to human frailty - this is clearly a personal tragedy for Bruce and his family and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

"One can only speculate about the pressure that Bruce must have been under, away from home and under continual political and criminal pressure.

"The work of Casa Alianza is vital and more important than only one individual. Our association will continue its support and we encourage others to do the same."

First published: September 24