A YORK charity boss fears the huge publicity for the tsunami disaster appeal could hit fundraising for other good causes.

Penelope Worsley, of Heslington, who runs a trust to help poverty-stricken people in northern Thailand, said she was appalled by the tidal wave which struck the coastline of several Asian countries including Thailand.

She felt there was no doubt that the appeal to help the millions of victims would need to continue for a long time.

"However, in the charity sector, there is some concern that in general there may be difficulties in raising funds for other causes in some of the countries hit by the tsunami because of the huge publicity for the appeal," she said.

She said her charity, the Karen Hilltribes Trust, was working hard to give people clean-water systems and education to children in the mountains of northern Thailand, far away from the disaster area.

She said she would be going to Thailand again next month to visit the projects and areas in need.

"However, if the income drops, we will not be able to help so many children to have the chance of an education, which would be very upsetting," she said.

Penelope added that she wanted to reassure supporters that all of her volunteers in Thailand were safe.

Updated: 11:39 Wednesday, January 12, 2005