Children affected by Chernobyl disaster visit Sheffield

The youngsters from Belarus will live with a family in the city for a month, enjoying activities such as swimming, as well as getting fresh air, healthy food and care.

Swimming vouchers have been donated by Ponds Forge International Sports Centre to give the children free access to the pool during their stay.

The Chernobyl disaster in April 1986 affected people in Belarus after radiation blew towards the country following a nuclear power plant explosion in neighbouring Ukraine.  The area is still highly radioactive and will be for thousands of years.

Mick Ring, chair of the Sheffield Link of Chernobyl Children's Life Line, said: "Their favourite activity is swimming.  They don't have access to pools like we have in the UK, and they usually swim in rivers which are both polluted and dangerous.  We are really grateful to Ponds Forge for very kindly donating the vouchers to allow the children to spend time in the pool."