FAMILIES across Selby are urgently needed to help give a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to children affected by radiation poisoning.

The Chernobyl Children’s Project regularly brings children from villages in Belarus affected by the Chernobyl nuclear power station disaster to the UK to give them a break from the polluted air, water and food in the region.

This year, four families in the Monk Fryston area have been unable to take part in the exchange, and project has urged anyone in the area to consider helping out. Melanie Glover, co-ordinator of the Monk Fryston project, said: “It is now almost 30 years since the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power station in Ukraine, but time has not been a healer for the children of Belarus where most of the fallout landed. They continue to suffer serious health problems caused by the radiation which will pollute much of their country for the next 100 years and more.

“We are looking for people who would like to welcome two children into their home for two weeks in the summer, for a holiday which will make such a difference to their lives. The children would then spend a fortnight with a second family. It’s a way of getting involved and giving a bit back, and the kids are just fantastic.”

The children who come to stay in the Monk Fryston area may be in remission from cancer, or they may be children who have not yet had any serious health problems but live in a contaminated village.

Volunteers are also needed to help ensure the group can continue to offer support to the children, either by helping to raise funds, or by organising activities and outings for the children once they arrive.

Melanie said the group was made up of “the usual English eccentrics, but good people trying to make a difference”, and urged anyone who could help to get in touch.

For more information, phone Melanie on 07970 942912 or email mel-g@hotmail.co.uk