Day of fun for Chernobyl victims

Youngsters from Belarus suffering from the after-effects of the Chernobyl disaster enjoyed a fun-filled day at a Staffordshire theme park as part of a month-long visit to the Midlands.

A group of 14 children aged between seven and 10 spent the day at the family-run Drayton Manor theme park near Tamworth.

The annual visit is organised by Chernobyl Children's Lifeline, a charity that brings children to the UK for month-long recuperation.

The charity is focused in Belarus, which received around 70 per cent of the radiation from the world's worst nuclear disaster in April 1986. The effects of the disaster have resulted in children being born with deformities and cancer rates are high.

The month-long break allows the children to breathe clean air, drink clean water and eat fresh foods to boost their immune systems, which have been damaged by the radiation.

Drayton Manor's owners the Bryan family have supported the visit for the past 15 years by providing a free day out at the park.

David Goldsby is chairman of Birmingham Link, which is part of Chernobyl Children's Lifeline. He said: "The children had a great time at Drayton Manor. They really liked the rides, especially Thomas Land.

Colin Bryan, managing director of Drayton Manor, said: "It's always a delight to see the children enjoy their day out here at the park and I look forward to many more years of supporting Birmingham Link and Chernobyl Children's Lifeline."

Anyone who wishes to make a donation to Birmingham Link, or become a host family for a child during the next visit, can contact David on 01543 491623, or by emailing juliegoody@onetel.com