Ref. 74282-11CHILDREN affected by the Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster are celebrating Christmas twice once in Swindon and then back home in Belarus.

They joined families here for the festive period and set off home today in time for the New Year celebrations and for Christmas, which is marked on January 6 in Belarus.

The six youngsters, whose visit was organised by the Swindon-based Zaslowya Project, went to the Oasis for a swim and a free lunch and had complimentary tickets for the pantomime at the Wyvern Theatre.

They also went to see Swindon Town play Brentford at the County Ground.

The charity was set up in 1999. The Chernobyl disaster happened in 1986.

Mark Gillingham, chairman of the Zaslowya Project, said: "It came from an idea my daughters and their school friends had to help the children of Belarus in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster," he said.

"It is for the most needy children. Some are from orphanages and others are from families that have problems.

"We try to keep in touch with as many as possible of the children that come and sponsor them as well, so it is not just a holiday."

The charity, which organises two trips each year, also employs someone in Belarus to look after their welfare.

The children, aged between 10 and 15, were joined by a 20-year-old language student who acted as their interpreter.

The group is always looking for host families and would welcome any donations from the public or companies. Contact Mark Gillingham on 01793 790404 or mark@courtyard-partnership.co.uk