A BO'NESS aid worker has just returned from a mercy mission to the victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami on Boxing Day last year. Although the international multi-billion pound aid effort continues, many remote communities are still living a hand-to-mouth existence.

Seeds of Hope, the Linlithgow churches aid effort, is doing its bit to ease the suffering in the isolated coastal region of Andhra Pradesh in India.

Hazel Bech has returned from the islands of Yesuparam and Nachugunta where she learned how funds raised in the Journal and Gazette area are making a difference to these fishing communities. Seeds of Hope and Harvest India, a local churches aid agency, provide "micro credit" facilities to enable the fishermen to get back to their livelihoods and become self-sufficient.

Hazel said: "In August I went to see for myself and to provide a mercy meal and medical camp for the two islands' people. Through the generosity of contacts, friends and friends of friends, I was able to take sufficient money to provide a hearty meal and medicines for over 2000 people.

In addition, I was able to present sufficient money for rehabilitation loans to a further 60 fishermen to enable them to repair their boats and nets and thus to begin supporting their families again. This brings the total of fisher­men's loans to 100 to date and we are working with Harvest India to oversee and manage this project."

A little goes a long way in India — locals told Hazel that four nets would provide a living for 80 families in a co-operative venture. A net costs £200.

Hazel added: "India was a moving experience and I thank everyone who contributed to my appeal. Within a week I received donations of more than £3,000!"