WAIFLIKE Svetlana Papsouev has found an oasis of happiness and hope here in Leigh.

Away from the bleak reality of life in the polluted air of Belarus, a charming sparkle is fast returning to her bright hazel eyes (writes DAVID HODGKINSON).

The lively little youngster has been flown back for a second visit to England by caring Barbara Priestman.

And on Sunday, the day after her arrival from Vilnius following an arduous 24-hour journey, she celebrated her tenth birthday with a surprise party.

"I want to give her a chance," said Barbara. "And I know she will have a better chance to survive the harsh winter of her homeland by spending time here.

"Here she will be restored to health; she will become stronger with plenty of good food, dental and eye treatment.

"And she'll know the love of good friends."

Many of those friends, young and old, gathered at Barbara's neat Cavendish Street home for the birthday party.

And Svetlana was wide-eyed with wonder as, alongside a host of other gifts including clothes and toys, Barbara gave her a mountain bike (pictured).

Svetlana, who speaks just a few words of English, first arrived in Leigh last August with a party of a dozen children from Belarus as part of the Medicine & Chernobyl appeal.

The youngsters, who stayed for a month, were boarded with local families, Svetlana with Barbara's.

This year another group of eleven, all from Svetlana's village of Sokolnichi, will arrive in two months.

"But I wanted Svetlana to remain longer," said Barbara, who has been learning to speak Russian.

"With parcels of clothes I sent money to her godmother Valentina to arrange for a passport and to pay for the journey."

Now Barbara is planning a full summer of activity including holidays in Norfolk and Anglesey.

But help is desperately needed when the full party arrive in August. If you can assist, financially or as a volunteer, call Barbara on 01942-676627.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.