THE Dorset boss of a South American children's charity has been sacked amid allegations of acting incorrectly with a teenager.

Bruce Harris, from Ridge near Wareham, fought against the exploitation of children as Latin American executive director of children's rights group Casa Alianza in Costa Rica.

Now he has stepped down from the post amid claims he had a relationship with a 19-year-old male who was once a resident in one of the charity's rescue shelters.

A group spokesman said Mr Harris had been dismissed following accusations that he had recently paid a 19-year-old Honduran boy for sexual favours in a motel in Tegucigalpa, capital of Honduras. The young man had been a Casa Alianza resident until the end of 2002.

The charity's UK director Fred Shortland said: "Mr Harris's employment has been terminated.

"I have only just heard the news myself and have to confer with my trustees about what to do next."

Mr Harris said he resigned for personal reasons and wanted to spend more time with his family. He has pledged to co-operate with prosecutors in Honduras.

Mr Harris went to school in Stoborough and Swanage and once worked as a postman.

He has been showered with international acclaim for his work, including the OBE in 2002 in recognition of his lifetime's work for Latin America's children, and Amnesty International called him a human rights hero. Mr Harris is married with two children.

First published: Sept 21