CADETS from Cleveland Police welcomed a Chernobyl hero at force headquarters when Vitali Baranovski visited.

The former firefighter, who took part in the clean-up of the Ukraine disaster in 1986, spoke to more than 60 cadets about the effect the disaster had had on the community and surrounding areas.

More than one million men and women risked their lives to clean up highly contaminated areas and prevent worldwide nuclear contamination and possible further explosions.

Christine Davidson, Cleveland Police youth manager, said: “The cadets are positive ambassadors for the force and enjoy learning about policing and the wider emergency services. This was a great opportunity for them to learn about the Chernobyl disaster and the enormity of its impact first hand.”

Mr Baranovski was presented with a Force plaque and a thank you card from the young people.

The uniformed cadets, aged between 13 and 17, attend the police-themed weekly personal development programme in Redcar, Stockton, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.

Anyone with ideas for a community project or activity that the police cadets could support, or anyone who would like to enquire about joining the programme is asked to call 0845-271-3883.