28608/2CHILDREN from Belarus enjoyed a traditional English afternoon tea at a Bradford on Avon hotel as part of a visit organised by the Chernobyl Children Lifeline.

The youngsters, aged between seven and 17, tucked into complimentary homemade scones, fruitcake and orange squash at the Leigh Park Hotel.

The 18 girls and boys are staying with host families in Westbury, Trowbridge, Melksham and surrounding areas for a month away from the pollution in their home country.

The lifeline arranges month-long visits for youngsters whose lives are still being blighted by the effects of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

In their first week in this country they have visited Westbury fire station and Trowbridge museum, and had a craft afternoon, barbeque and day out at Boscombe, courtesy of the Bradford on Avon Rotary Club.

They will also visit Crealy Adventure Park, Clarks Village, Devizes and Swanage.

Children born in Belarus are at high risk of contracting cancer and there has been an almost 800 per cent increase in thyroid diseases.

It is estimated that spending just one month in the UK could extend a child's life expectancy by two years.

For further information contact Henry and Anne Leigh on (01373) 827799.