A group of Chernobyl children are enjoying a month's stay with host families in the Ashford area.

More than 20 children from Belarus and Ukraine affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident have been brought to Kent by the Chernobyl Children Lifeline charity.

They have been enjoying a series of outings and visits, both as a group and with the individual families they are staying with.

Among their experiences has been a visit to Specsavers in Ashford town centre to have their eye tested and, if necessary, to be supplied with glasses.

Next week they will get to experience what it’s like to be a Kent firefighter when they visit Ashford fire station on Sunday, 16 August.

Aged between seven and twelve years old, the children are from the areas most affected by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

At the fire station they will get a hands-on tour.

Co-ordinating the trip to the station is Ashford Firefighter Kerry Mitchell. She said: “Many of these children come from very deprived areas. Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is delighted to add a bit of fun and enjoyment to their stay in Kent with a visit to the fire station. We want them to really enjoy their time with us as well as learning about the work of a firefighter."

Sarah Day, chair of Chernobyl Children Lifeline, Ashford and New Romney Link. Sarah Day chair of the Link said: “Every year hundreds of children in the area are diagnosed with leukaemia, bone and thyroid cancer as a result of the nuclear disaster."

The charity brings over 4,000 children a year to Britain, who stay with local host families for up to a month for respite holidays, which provide an essential rest from radiation and can extend their lives by up to two years.

"We are especially grateful to Kent Fire and Rescue Service for offering us a tour of the fire station.”

If you are interested in hosting a child during the next visit, please contact Sarah on 01233 336459.