MORE volunteers are needed to help with an established project that helps children whose lives are still blighted by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, 16 years after it happened.

Ten children from Belarus are looking forward to a month in North Yorkshire, away from their homes where cancer caused by radiation is still common.

However, the Catterick and Richmond group of the Chernobyl Children's Lifeline needs to find local families prepared to host them during their stay.

The children are kept busy during the day on a programme organised to give them an insight into life in the UK - and host families are welcome to join them if they wish.

Interpreters are also available to help break down the language barrier, should they be required.

"This is our fifth year and the children are quite remarkable," said local branch spokesman, Andy Kirkham.

"To come to a country where you don't speak the language and to live with people you have never met would seem quite daunting to many youngsters, but they fit in amazingly quickly.

Families willing to take two boys or two girls between July 22 and August 5 or from August 5 to August 19 can contact the group by telephoning (01748) 834792.

Anyone willing to help with fundraising to cover the costs of the visits can also telephone the same number.

A street collection in Richmond on Saturday, April 20, is the next event in the calendar.