Following an appeal in the Mercury in March, seven new volunteer hosts have taken part in The Dales link of the Chernobyl Children Life Line scheme, which involves looking after youngsters when they visit Derbyshire from radioactive contaminated villages.

Children from Belarus arrived in Bonsall last month and are set to return home next week.

The group has enjoyed a packed programme of day trips and activities including sailing at Carsington, visiting Twycross Zoo and Chatsworth House and swimming at Willersley Castle in Cromford.

Chairman Chris Broome, who has two nine-year-old girls staying with his family, said: "The children have had a great time so far."

He added: "It is a very different life for them, particularly in the rural areas because there is very little employment.

"Many people are on very low incomes and work is seasonal. It is quite a job to keep food on the table. Just a trip to Sainsbury's is a big thing for the children. To see the amount and variety of food we have on our shelves is unbelievable."

It is 23 years since the Chernobyl disaster but it still affects the health of children living in widespread contaminated areas.

The holidays help boost their immune systems and drop radiation levels in their bloodstreams.

Chris said two of the children he had previously looked after are now suffering serious health problems, including heart disease and kidney disorders, and urged Dales residents to support the charity.

He added: "We see our own children and how lucky and fortunate we are.
It comes as quite a surprise to a lot of people just how badly affected these countries are and it is still ongoing. Health problems are still there.

"I think the fact that we are able to do something positive in our own community and give these children a better chance of keeping reasonable health is really important."