THE Malvern group of the Chernobyl Children’s Life Line urgently needs to find host families for this summer’s visit.

The charity provides healthy holidays for children from the areas of the former Soviet Union which were affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident.

Ten children, six girls and four boys aged 10/11, are coming to Malvern this summer, and the organisers need to find hosts who can offer them a place to stay.

The Chernobyl Children's Lifeline was formed to help children affected by the Chernobyl disaster of 1986, when a nuclear reactor in what was then the Soviet Union exploded, scattering radioactive contamination.

The charity has more than 80 branches across the UK, bringing some 3,000 children a year to this country from Belarus or the Ukraine for healthy holidays.

Dorothy Knights of the charity said: “We have hosted children every year since 2003. Our aim is to help these children by boosting their immune systems. We offer a safe, enjoyable holiday. Over 120 children from Belarus have benefitted from this opportunity of a health-giving month in Malvern.

"This year, the party of 10 children will be from the town of David Goradok, accompanied by English teacher Olga Trukhanavets, who is brought other parties of children to Malvern before.

"For those children lucky enough to come it is the trip of a lifetime. A month staying with a family, eating nourishing food and breathing clean air improves their health," said Mrs Knights.

This year's party will be arriving on June 10 for four weeks. Hosts are expected to offer places for two children for two weeks each.

During the children's stay in Malvern, they are offered a programme of activities and outings. Last year's visitors enjoyed a day out at the Royal Three Counties Show, a visit to the Morgan Motors car factory in Malvern Link, a day trip to Birmingham to visit the sea life centre, and a session of outdoor activities at Blackmore Park.

As well as looking for host families, the organisers are keen to hear from people who can help in other ways, including fund raising, helping out with daytime activities for the children, or helping with transport

Anyone who can help is urged to contact Mrs Knights on 01684 561358 or dorothyknights@waitrose.com.