YOUNGSTERS from Belarus have been settling in with their host families in Malvern, as part of this year's Chernobyl Children's Lifeline visit.

Ten children aged between eight and 11, accompanied by a teacher, arrived in the town last Wednesday, after a 16-hour journey from their homes.

And since getting here, they have been given plenty to keep them occupied.

They have already enjoyed an afternoon of games at the Church of the Ascension in Malvern Link, and an outing to Worcester, which included a visit to the cathedral ant to the Little Acorns play centre, and a trip on the Severn riverboat.

The children also spent one day at the Royal Three Counties Show, where they were particularly impressed by the

motorcycle display team's show in the main arena.

Coming up on their agenda is a visit to Blackmore Park, where they will have a chance to try out some outdoor activities, and a day trip to Birmingham, whose highlight will be a visit to the city's sea life centre.

They are also expected to take part in a go-karting day and visit the Morgan Motors factory in Malvern Link, to see the handmade sports cars being assembled.

Jim Knights, one of the organisers, said: "The youngest children were a bit quiet at first, but I think they're now relaxing and starting to enjoy it."

The Chernobyl Children's Lifeline was founded in 1991 in the wake of the nuclear disaster in the Soviet Union. The aim is to give children from the areas affected, now part of Belarus, healthy vacations in the UK.

The children stay with host families, and enjoy a whole host of activities, as well as getting free visits to the dentist and optician.