DAUNTSEY'S School in West Lavington raised £12,336 for the charity Chernobyl Children Life Line last year.

The charity brings children affected by the fall-out from the 1986 explosion in Chernobyl to this country for a month for rest and recuperation.

And on Friday, children from Belarus whose lives have been blighted by the disaster had a chance to meet the pupils who made it possible for them to come to England.

Henry Leigh, chairman of the West Wiltshire branch of the charity, said: "A month away from Belarus adds two years to the life expectancy of a child. Not only that, but many of the things we take for granted are new and wonderful to these children."

The 13 children, aged from eight to 14, were taken to Weymouth last week. It was the first time that many of them had seen the sea.

Mr Leigh said: "They just went absolutely mad, they were so excited. They go home on Sunday and we are expecting a lot of tears at the airport."

The Belarus children presented a certificate of thanks to the pupils who had raised the cash for them.

TV star George Baker, one of the charity's patrons, was also on hand to add his gratitude to the fundraisers.