A HUMANITARIAN charity operating from York for nearly 25 years has said Clare Short's resignation is a loss for the developing world.

Jane Carter, chief executive of the Goodramgate-based UNA International Service, said the Government's international development department had lost somebody who believed in what she did.

Claire Short resigned as International Development Secretary this week because of disagreements with Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Mrs Carter said: "We are sorry she has gone because the contribution she made to the developing world was a very significant one.

"I was always impressed with her passion for dealing with world poverty. She had a real drive and force about her, and really believed in what she was doing."

The International Service is a non-political charity which supports the aims and ideals of the United Nations.

Mrs Short visited its office on a couple of occasions.

"We always found her a strong, forceful person who said what she believed," said Mrs Carter.

Updated: 10:46 Wednesday, May 14, 2003