CHILDREN who are living with the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster have enjoyed a breath of fresh air on a visit to Wear Valley.

Ukrainian charity Welleka has joined Crook for Children of Chernobyl to give youngsters still affected by the disaster a chance to improve their health. Sixteen children made the journey to Crook to enjoy sightseeing and shopping.

Just three weeks of fresh air and uncontaminated food will boost their immune system for up to two years.

Sadly, some of them will not live beyond the age of 40 because of cancers.

It is second time around for Anna Shibitska, aged 14, and Katerina Vasilevea, 15, who are staying with Mary and Ellis Armstrong from Crook.