TEN years after the horrific Chernobyl disaster, the true effects of the world's worst peacetime nuclear blast are striking home in Journal-land.

On Saturday a party of a dozen Ukrainian children arrive in Britain on a month's recuperation stay with families in the Leigh area (writes BRIAN GOMM).

The break will provide a vital lifeline to give their radiation-wracked bodies a chance to recharge their immune systems.

Barbara Priestman of the Medicine and Chenobyl charity's Leigh Support Group explained:"The party consists of seven girls and five boys, aged from nine to 14 years. They aren't physically disabled by the Belarus Chernobyl disaster but suffer from low-level radiation. They have a terrible life. Some live in orphanages, others with families."

The group have been supported by local businesses, especially John Fazackerley of Fazackerleys of Leigh and Atherton and Tyldesley Round Table.

Barbara will meet the party and their interpreter at Heathrow and knows the tragic youngsters will wear a brave smile to disguise their unhappy plight.

But giving the game away will be the cheap carrier bags containing their sparse belongings - and the shoes they wear will most probably be a few sizes too small.

Relief will come at the end of a 24 hour journey from Belarus to Minsk then England. First stop will be to Jeffrey Tonks' Bradshawgate shoe shop for new footwear then hairstyling at Kevin Colby's Lord Street salon. A stay at Middlewood Scout Camp and visits to Southport and other regional attractions are planned along with dental and optical checks for the party.

All this is made possible by caring locals who have backed the Leigh Support Group's fund-raising campaign.

Atherton and Tyldesley Round Table donated £2,000 and a further £250 came from Leigh Round Table.

And on August 17 the Chernobyl children will be VIPs at a charity fun day which starts at 12.30pm at Leigh Cricket Club, Beech Walk.

Anyone with a working knowledge of the Russian language is invited to help share the interpretation workload and fun day organisers would also like to engage a face paint artist. If you can help call Barbara on 01942 676627.

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