A GROUP of volunteers from Blackrod has paid a visit to Belarus to meet children affected by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Five members of Blackrod Friends of Chernobyl's Children visited Mogilev to meet the families of some of the children who have stayed in Blackrod over the past ten years.

The volunteers also went to see some of the new children who may be invited to stay in 2006.

Volunteer Mary Pryle said: "Blackrod Friends of Chernobyl's Children is currently celebrating its tenth year and it was wonderful to see some of the old boys and girls from the very first visit to England who are now young men and women.

"It was a wonderful experience to meet all the families who welcomed us into their homes and provided generous meals for us every day."

Most of the families live in very cramped conditions, many having only one room, and have very low wages.

The group saw much of the city during their visit last month and learned about the way of life in Belarus and the changes to the country during recent years as the western influence brought about improvements in living and working conditions.

Photographs and souvenirs from the visit will be shown as a presentation at the next group meeting on Thursday, October 13, at 8pm in the upstairs room at St Katharine's Church, Blackrod

Anyone is welcome to come along to the meeting.

If you could host a child during the next visit in June 2006, or would like further information, please get in touch with the group co-ordinator, Joyce Beech, on 695898.