ACTRESS Jaye Griffiths raised more than �2,000 for a Crow country charity when she faced John Humphries on Celebrity Mastermind.

As reported in the Crow last month, Ms Griffiths took to the famous big black chair to represent Khandel Light, the Barley-based charity which helps poor people in the Khandel region of India.

The actress, who lives locally, has starred in a string of shows including Coronation Street, Holby City and Doctors. She raised �2,750 when she appeared on the New Year’s Day edition of the BBC1 quiz, answering questions on her specialist subject, the life and career of legendary Formula One driver Ayrton Senna.

Dr Peter Gough, founder and chairman of the charity, said he was “absolutely delighted” when Jaye asked if she could nominate Khandel Light.

He said: “The excitement has been building since early December when the BBC got in touch to tell us the good news, but asked the charity to keep the secret until the show was broadcast.”

“It’s wonderful that the charity is being heard about in a national setting, we need all the support we can get at the moment.”

Khandel Light was formed 12 years ago after a school trip to Khandel from Newport Grammar School. Dr Gough, a GP at the Barley Surgery, and a group of dedicated trustees, launched the charity to help disadvantaged and vulnerable people in the Khandel district of Rajasthan.

The charity encourages local people to help themselves, focusing on long-term development projects including access to clean water and sanitation, better healthcare, education and housing. It also aims to raise the status of women, and hopes to make a real and lasting difference not only to families today, but also to those of tomorrow.

Dr Gough added: “All charities are suffering in the current financial situation, this year the trustees of Khandel light have made the difficult decision to reduce the amount of money regularly sent out to Khandel.

“The money raised by Jaye on Celebrity Mastermind will be a huge help. Spending is absolutely critical; for example, buying in water, once seen as an emergency measure, has become a regular and growing expense’.