CHILDREN from Belarus and Ukraine, whose lives will be forever affected by the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, were treated to fun and games in and around West Wiltshire.

The eight youngsters enjoyed bowling at the Christie Miller centre in Melksham and a morning of fun at Oasis Longmeadow Academy in Trowbridge, which included a giant inflatable slide for them to play on. Later that evening they had dinner at The Farmhouse Inn in Southwick.

A variety of activities are being organised by Chernobyl Children Lifeline West Wiltshire Link, for the children aged 10-11, to enjoy until they go back home on August 9.

Steve Lloyd, who is chair of the group, said: “It’s fresh air and excitement, but most of all its about giving these children a break. For some of them it’s the only holiday they may have.

“Another thing we also did was take them swimming.

“It’s giving them the opportunity to do things that they may not be able to so freely.”

Mr Lloyd added: “All the people who have sponsored and donated, it wouldn’t be possible without peoples’ generosity.”

If anyone would like to host the children of Chernobyl’s stay, get involved and sponsor can go to ccll.org.uk