A SEA captain from St Annes has returned from a three-month mercy mission to Africa taking vital medical help to needy people.

Malcolm Carter, 41, has worked aboard the floating hospital, the Mercy Ship Anastasis, for seven years.

On this particular trip the crew visited African ports performing eye and body surgery and dental work.

People in such places are often given a new lease of life after suffering for years from health problems that can be treated by a free operation aboard the Anastasis.

The whole staff, including the medical and technical specialists, are volunteers who meet their own expenses.

Malcolm joined the ship after a long career in the Merchant Navy.

His travels have taken him all over the world, including Madagascar, Sierra Leone, Senegal, the Ivory Coast, Europe, the Caribbean and most recently Cape Town and Tenerife.

Recalling his time aboard the Anastasis, Malcolm said he was always struck by the tremendous bustle of activity whenever the big white hospital ship arrived in a port.

He added: "It is a marvellous experience to watch the gratitude of the people we come to serve with practical help where they need it, amid a time of much trouble and problems in South Africa.

"When people who had no hope of seeing take the bandages off and are able to see it is an incredible experience for everyone.

"Sometimes there are tears of joy but it is their smiles which will stay with me forever."

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