Children from Chernobyl were treated to a fun day out at The Watermark Club in South Cerney.

Some 30 youngsters, aged between seven and 11, had a ball as they took to the water on banana boats and speedboats.

Kay Statham, marketing co-ordinator at the Watermark Club, said: "It was a beautiful hot sunny day and the children had a fantastic time.

"After their fun on the water they had a traditional English lunch of sausages, chips and beans in our restaurant overlooking Spring Lake followed by ice lollies.

"As the day was such a success we are sure that we will be hosting the event again next year, when another group of children from Chernobyl will come over to Britain for a month."

Friends of Chernobyl's Children is a charity which brings children from the Ukraine town, which is still suffering the effects of nuclear fallout from a reactor explosion in 1986, to the UK for one month per year.

Removing the children from the pollution boosts their immune systems and extends their life expectancy.

The children who come to Britain are chosen from the most needy families. Many are orphans living with grandparents, or have just one parent.

During the children's stay in the UK they are also given health checks, including a trip to the dentist.