PHOTOGRAPHER Huw Jones captured images of hope during a trip to see how funds raised in the UK are helping Indian villages rebuild after the tsunami.

Mr Jones, City of Newport Round Table's international officer, saw at first hand how donated cash was spent on rebuilding schools and vital supplies in southern India.

He made the emotional ten-day trip with national vice-president, Richard du Bois, to Chennai.

"It was an amazing trip. While we were there we opened 16 schools, all of which were built by the money raised," he said.

"Every penny donated was matched by the India Round Table, as well as part of that matched by the Indian government."

Members of the Round Table across the country raised a total of £300,000 for the victims of the tsunami, with half going to India and the other half to Sri Lanka.

The cash was sent directly and spent by fellow members in India, guaranteeing it was channelled directly to where it was most needed without a penny being spent on administration costs.

This was carried out in conjunction with the Indian government and under the Round Table India Freedom through Education banner, which aims to provide education for a million children who, without help, would have no form of formal schooling.

The three-year-old appeal has already provided schools for more than 400,000 children.

Mr Jones said: "It is important that vital buildings like schools are repaired or rebuilt as quickly as possible so that the children of India do not miss out on a valuable education."

Mr du Bois said he was proud of members for raising such a staggering amount of money.

He said: "We enjoyed visiting the 16 new schools and speaking to the children for whom this money will have made the most difference."