WE'RE in the army now! Russian youngsters from Chernobyl braved the rain to have lunch with soldiers and tour a regimental museum.

The soggy trip to Fulwood Barracks, Preston was just one of many days out for the group of seven to 13-year-olds from Belarus who are spending a month with families in South Ribble.

Thanks to the hard work of volunteers from the Medicine and Chernobyl charity the children came over on July 19 for a whole host of fun activities - as well as eyecare and dental checks not available in their country.

Health could be the most important part of the trip as experts believe many people are still living and eating food in areas still contaminated after the nuclear power station disaster in Chernobyl in 1986.

Gordon McGowan, chairman of the South Ribble branch, said: "The main thing they get out of it is the chance to rid their bodies of toxins. Belarus received all the nuclear fall out from Chernobyl. The children have also had the chance to enjoy the things we take for granted over here."

His wife Denise, who is involved in getting the children shoes and coats to take back home for winter, added: "It's also about enjoying themselves. It's great to see them all smiling."

Curator at the Queen's Lancashire Regiment Museum, Major Mike Glover, said everyone had enjoyed their day: "The aim of this is to have a bit of fun. Despite the weather there was plenty for them to do."

During their stay the visitors will also take part in a playscheme at Penwortham Leisure Centre on Fridays and visit Camelot, the Lakes and Blackpool.

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