THIS week a group of children from Belarus, in the Ukraine, return to their homes after spending a month in Preston.

The youngsters have been living with volunteers from local charity Medicine And Chernobyl.

Their lives have been blighted by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, and a month in Preston not only provided them with a holiday to remember - it also gives them a chance of a longer life, as Citizen reporter David Higgerson found out...

THE children who were dancing to the Spice Girls inside Our Ladies and St Edward's Church Hall, Fulwood, could have been any group of youngsters enjoying a party.

But just a month ago, the same youngsters - who are now bright-eyed and full of life - arrived in the UK with pale faces and full of anticipation.

They are the victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster who, despite not being born at the time of the explosion in 1996, are living in a baron wasteland, eating contaminated food and drinking radioactive water.

Each year locally-based Medicine in Chernobyl brings around 22 youngsters aged eight-15, finds them a temporary home and gives them a holiday they will remember for the rest of their lives.

Amanda Dunn, one of the charity's local organisers, said: "The holiday also provides them with a chance to eat uncontaminated food and breathe clean air. We have been told one month here can add two years to their lives."

Brian Bibby who, along with other members of the committee, regularly travels to Belarus to deliver aid, added: "Many of them have been here more than once. But when they first arrive, they are pale and reserved.

"To look at them now shows what a difference this month has made. It is very rewarding."

Among this year's success stories is little orphan Vaselin, who looks about five but is actually 11. His growth has been stunted because he has grown up in the shadow of Chernobyl.

He didn't speak at all when he first arrived in England, but opened up after visiting Preston College and playing football against lads much older than him.

His height was an advantage - he ran through the legs of several of the opposition players!

Dancing near to Vaselin is nine-year-old Yulia, who suffers from curvature of the spine, again as a result of the explosion.

Steve Rogers has looked after her in his Fulwood home. He said: "We took her swimming one day, assuming she could swim because it is supposed to be part of her physiotherapy for the spine problem.

"But she sank. So a pool in Longridge agreed to help, and taught her to swim in a month! She can swim more than 100 metres now. It is amazing."

Brian added: "It is the simple things that impress them, such as going into a supermarket. They have never seen so much food. I heard one of them saying they had visited Matalan, and were so enthusiastic about it. Listening to them talk puts everything into perspective."

They have all returned home now - and are all hoping they can return next year.

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