Children from areas blighted by the fallout from the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster were treated to medical check-ups, fun days out and warm winter clothes on a month’s trip to the area.

For the 13th year in a row, the Mid-Surrey Link of the Chernobyl Children's Lifeline Charity invited 12 vulnerable children to the area for a respite holiday. 

The youngsters, who live in either Belarus or the Ukraine, are from areas contaminated by the 1986 disaster whose affects will be felt there for thousands of years to come.

A month's respite away from the contamination is likely to provide up to two years of health benefits for the children.   

They were placed, in pairs, with hosts for two weeks this month, and were treated to a schedule of activities in and around Epsom.

Your Local Guardian:

The group were given free eye tests and products from the Specsavers opticians in Epsom High Street and taken to a dentists for a free check-up and treatment.

The Epsom branch of the Riding for the Disabled charity gave the children a horse-riding lesson and Clarks Shoes of Epsom provided them with school shoes and a pair of trainers.  

They also enjoyed a trip to Chessington World of Adventures and Mizens Railway.  

The Mid-Surrey Link charity ensured the youngsters took plenty of second-hand clothing home with them too as clothes are costly in the Ukraine.

Kathy Orme, spokeswoman for Mid-Surrey Link, said: "Earlier in the summer we put up lots of posters asking for second-hand clothes, and we had a great response.  

"All 12 children are now fully kitted out for the year ahead and have plenty of warm winter clothing to see them through the cold winter ahead.

"We couldn't do all this without the support of local people and the companies who have stepped in to help us.  

"Everyone has been so kind.

"We are always looking for new hosts and supports and anyone who thinks they might be able to assist please get in touch.

"It's a big commitment but also a really worthwhile one and it's so rewarding to know that you've helped to make a holiday of a lifetime come true for these children."

Your Local Guardian:

If you are interested in hosting two children for a fortnight during next Summer's visit, or supporting a host family, call Kathy Orme on 01293 734813.