A SENIOR leader at one of York's most popular evangelical churches has resigned, it was revealed today.

Dave Shore has "decided to move on" from the independent Gateway Church, in Front Street, Acomb, after five years.

He was instrumental in developing the church's youth programme to get bored teenagers off the streets, and his detached youth group was judged the winner of our prestigious Safe In The City competition in 2002.

The Evening Press teamed up with North Yorkshire Police and the Safer York Partnership to find the youth organisation which contributed most to keeping young people occupied and out of trouble. Mr Shore's Gateway group - which he formed after seeing Acomb teenagers hanging round the streets in the cold, doing nothing - won a £1,000 cash prize. Mr Shore, who trained a team of college-leavers in youth work at the church, also did a lot of work in East Africa, where he helped to build an orphanage.

In a statement, John Wilson, pastor of the Gateway Church since 1988, says: "Dave Shore joined the staff at Gateway Church in September 1999.

"After working five years with the church he has decided to move on.

"Dave was instrumental in developing the church's youth programme and his contribution will be greatly missed.

"Regrettably the outreach work into local schools which Dave has overseen will not be able to be maintained.

"However, the youth club which meets each Friday night is well-resourced with volunteer leaders and will continue to offer the young people of Acomb a weekly event entitled This Generation, which includes a caf and live band.

"Church services will be unaffected, and other key programmes which Gateway Church runs, such as debt advice, parents and toddlers and over-60s will all continue."

The church, which attracts up to 300 worshippers every Sunday - now holds its services in a room behind the Dormouse pub in Shipton Road, after moving from Lowfield School.

Mr Shore was unavailable for comment.

Updated: 08:51 Monday, November 08, 2004