In her first public appearance since losing presidential election last week, Hillary Clinton has laid bare her disappointment at her defeat to Donald Trump.

Hillary Clinton said she had wanted to “curl up with a good book and never leave the house again”.

However, in a speech at the Children’s Defense Fund, Hillary Clinton urged the audience to fight for American values and “never give up”.

The Democratic candidate won the popular vote but was beaten to the presidency in the all-important states.

“Now I will admit coming here tonight wasn’t the easiest thing for me,” Hillary Clinton said as she was honored by the charity.

Hillary Clinton continued: “I know many of you are deeply disappointed about the results of the election. I am, too, more than I can ever express.

“I know this isn’t easy. I know that over the past week a lot of people have asked themselves whether America is the country we thought it was.

“The divisions laid bare by this election run deep, but please listen to me when I say this.

“America is worth it. Our children are worth it. Believe in our country, fight for our values and never, ever give up.”