A Caribbean cruise usually evokes images of sun-kissed beaches and cocktails, but for one Newport charity worker it's been no holiday.

For Alex Burton, from Liswerry, has devoted the last two years of his life to Operation Mobilisation, a Christian charity on board a ship which sails around South and Central America, helping the needy and deprived.

The 26-year-old and 200 volunteers from 45 countries travel aboard the Logos Two from port to port, dishing out food parcels and medication.

Medical packs include basic creams and ointments for sores and immunisation jabs against diseases like yellow fever and malaria.

The volunteers also help build hospitals and donate books to schools in countries such as Venezuela and Brazil.

The former Liswerry High School pupil has returned home to Pontfaen Road for just one week - and will spend another 18 months on the ship when he returns.

He said: "I did an induction month in Holland before I went, but nothing prepares you for the eye-opening things you see.

"The first couple of months seem amazing, but after about six months it begins to get hard as you see more and more sick and dying children.

"The memory that really sticks in my mind has to be when I went to Nicaragua after the country had been devastated by Hurricane Mitch.

"We were delivering food and medication when I saw two children of about five years old drinking from the gutter.

"Later on I spoke to a group of young girls in Spanish. They led me to meet their parents, who lived in shacks made of scrap metal and wood.

"I sat down and they offered me what little water they had. It was brown, dirty and had things swimming in it, but I said a prayer and drank it. It was all they could offer me and it really hit home how privileged we are in this country."

Mr Burton says he finds it difficult being away from Wales, having only seen his family twice since 2002.

"Christmas is hard for me. I'm very much a home-town boy," he said.

Despite being cooped up at sea, Alex feels it's worth while when the ship docks at its destination.

Word spreads, and the port is brimming with cheering locals as vital supplies arrive.

"All the people are very excited when they hear the ship is going to return," Mr Burton said.

His mum Lynette, 49, said: "I'm very proud of the work he's doing.

"My husband, David, and I miss him terribly, but it's what he wants to do and we will always support him in that."