CHERNOBYL victim Era Pavlova has just one wish - to be able to study for a degree in Preston.

The brave 16-year-old, whose life has been devastated by the nuclear meltdown which happened close to her home 12 years ago, has visited Preston five times with local charity Medicine and Chernobyl.

Despite growing up in an area polluted by radiation and eating contaminated food, Era has managed to achieve a string of top grades in the Ukrainian version of A-levels.

Her teachers say she is gifted in maths, a talent she hopes to put to good use in future years as her home town of Belarus recovers from the meltdown.

But first she wants to go to university, and the course best suited to her is based in Preston.

But, with tuition fees totalling £3,000, Era needs local people's help in giving her a chance of further education.

Her 'adoptive' family the Hiltons, of New Longton, with whom she has stayed during each of her visits to the UK, are more than happy to give her a temporary home.

Avril Hilton says there is no way Era could afford to pay for the university fees and the family is hoping a generous company, or individual, will come to her aid and find the cash for her to study financial studies and accountancy.

Avril said: "The university is more than happy to accept her, but we need to find the money for her tuition fees.

"She is a very talented girl and has the ability to complete the course very well.

"We are hoping a big company will offer support so that Era can offer the skills she learns in return by doing work for them.

"We are more than happy to look after her while she is here."

Era's most recent visit to the UK ended last week. During her visits to the country she has built up a close friendship with Avril's daughter, Nicol.

Era, who speaks perfect English, said: "I like Preston because the people are so friendly. I really want to do this course."

Call Avril on (01772) 614781 if you can help.

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