A NEWPORT man is set to sail around South and Central America - but the charms of the Copacabana beach will seem a long way away.

For Alex Burton, (pictured) age 24, of Pontfaen Road, the next two years will be no holiday - he is about to join a charity ship that will tour the Americas, providing aid for needy patients in hospitals and books for deprived schools.

The former Lliswerry High School pupil will go to Holland first on August 26, where he will have sea training on deck and in the engine room.

He will then join the Logos Two ship at Trinidad which will have 200 volunteers on board. The charity, Operation Mobilisation, operates in 80 countries across the globe. Another ship, the Doulos, is currently in South Africa with 300 volunteers on board.

As a Christian charity a lot of work is carried out alongside churches and involves visiting hospitals and orphanages to hand out aid for people in countries where facilities are minimal.

Work also includes handing out books to schools that need them, helping to build hospitals and digging mud out of homes affected by hurricanes.

Mr Burton, who will leave behind his job at IBO, a sorting headquarters for exam papers, said: "Helping others is what it is all about. Working with children and helping them overcome such difficulties will provide great satisfaction."

Mr Burton has been involved in youth work at King's Church in Newport and has been a part of a group that helps 12 to 17-year-old youngsters, giving them advice and involving them in activities.

Last December he visited one of the charity ships in Cardiff Bay after hearing about it through the church.

Mr Burton was inspired when he heard of the work that the charity did in many far-flung countries.

Now the time is approaching and Alex is thrilled about joining the ship that will take in countries such as: Venezuela and Brazil, not to mention the bonus of Christmas in Mexico.

He is looking for support and anyone who can help is asked to contact him on 01633 275686.