ELEVEN children living in areas affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster recently spent a month in the Cockermouth area with host families.

The charity Friends of Chernobyl’s Children (North and West Cumbria) has been providing respite holidays for under-privileged children from contaminated regions of Belarus for 22 years.

As well as visits to the opticians and dentist, the youngsters had lots of fun activities laid on.

Lucy Addison's dad and step mum, Tom Addison and Alex Hunter-Brodie, were hosting Sasha, nine.

Lucy, who recently graduated from university, helped out with FOCC while the youngsters were visiting.

"The children do local fun activities and learn so many valuable things about life - all donated by local businesses and organisations," she said.

"All of the kids are so fun, intelligent and enthusiastic about everything they do - it's an incredible learning experience for the host families and volunteers too.

"My dad and step mum host a nine year old girl called Sasha and she is amazing. She is so much fun and she’s learning so much in her short time in the UK.

"We all see her as part of our family now, and we’re so pleased that she chooses to come back."

The annual trip costs approximately £10,000. Anyone interested in hosting or supporting the charity can contact it through their Facebook page (FOCC N&W Cumbria).