CHILDREN who provide a life-line for youngsters affected by the Chernobyl disaster desperately need a helping hand from their community.

They have collected thousands of presents for their pals in Tesnovaya, a town in Belarus left devastated by the 1986 nuclear catastrophe.

But their homes are so full of goods that they now need to find storage space so they can collect even more.

Gaynor Ratcliff, whose 13-year-old son Brett is organising the collection with classmates at Westhoughton High School, said: "Our house is so full of stuff that we keep falling over things and other parents' homes are just the same.

"Our children desperately need some storage space. If anyone could help we would be so grateful. It's all for such a good cause."

Brett, recently named Young Citizen of the Year by Bolton Police, has been collecting hundreds of different items for the Tesnovaya youngsters.

He and his pals have gathered soap, books, toys, toothpaste, pens and other goodies that will be shipped to Belarus in April.

Their collection campaign has been backed by Westhoughton Mayor Jo Worthington and by staff at the Westhoughton Drop-In Centre, which many of the children attend every week.

Mrs Worthington said: "These children have worked so hard to help those very needy youngsters abroad.

"Now they really need a bit of help themselves. If anyone could provide storage space in Westhoughton it would be great."

Anyone who might be able to help should contact the Drop-In Centre as soon as possible.

Readers who might be able to offer their help should call the Drop-In Centre on 01942 819321.