In the days and weeks following the Boxing Day disaster, television and newspapers were filled with harrowing images – bringing the plight of thousands into our homes.

And with it came a huge raft of support for the victims from all corners of the globe.

Here in Northumberland, there were hastily-arranged street collections and events to help the fund and thousands put their hands into their pockets to donate individually.

Alnwick Town Council, Alnwick Rotary Club and Alnwick Lions rallied to form Alnwick Tsunami Reconstruction Fund and raise money for the cause.

More than £20,000 was gathered to help rebuild a school at Moraketiara in the Hambantota district of Sri Lanka which had been destroyed by the tsunami.

The school, which opened in spring last year, is equipped with computer rooms and science laboratories, a first for youngsters in the country.

Other facilities include new classrooms, a library, toilets and running water.

Alnwick's link on the ground to tsunami-hit Sri Lanka was Professor Joy Palmer-Cooper, of Durham University, who lives in Chatton.

Following the disaster, she witnessed the humanitarian crisis that was rapidly unravelling in a country she had grown to love and knew careful planning would provide the best kind of long-term aid.

Over time, Professor Palmer-Cooper spoke to organisations in Sri Lanka to find out where to channel help.

On her return to England, she put her plans into action and launched a fund-raising campaign and joint initiatives with the university, Durham Cathedral and various charities.

And soon after, the university launched Project Sri Lanka, headed by the professor.

As part of her work, she spends many weeks a year in the country.

She was able to keep tabs on the school which the Alnwick community helped to rebuild and report back to people in north Northumberland.

Professor Palmer-Cooper has visited many community groups to talk about her experiences and show pictures of the developments oversees.

Schools at Eglingham and Chatton also became involved in the project, raising money to equip rebuilt schools at Palana.