A new branch of the Chernobyl Children's Lifeline is now up and running in south Pembrokeshire, following excellent public support at a recent open meeting.

The group is now forging ahead to raise the £4,000 needed for its first aim - to bring over ten children from Belarus and the northern part of the Ukraine for a month's recuperative holiday this autumn.

Its formation follows on from the success of the north Pembrokeshire branch of the charity, which has hosted a number of groups of youngsters from the region affected by radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl power station disaster in 1986.

A video of a visit by Chernobyl children to the area was shown at a meeting at the Plas Hyfryd Hotel in Narberth, when a small committee was elected to further the project.

Many local families offered to host children, while others pledged their support in raising the funds needed to pay for the children's air fares and visas, organise group outings and collect warm clothing.

The south Pembrokeshire link of the charity is amongst 160 links throughout Britain who were able to bring nearly 4,000 Chernobyl children to the country for respite last year.

The charity has no head office and does not pay wages, so every penny donated goes to pay the expenses of the children's visit.

Anyone who would like to help the branch host the children, raise funds, provide transport or a day out for the group can contact Katie Sore on 01834 871207 or chernobylchildrensouthpembs@yahoo.co.uk

  • The north Pembrokeshire branch of the Chernobyl Children's Lifeline is set to receive 12children from the Ossipovichi area of Belarus this month. The children will be arriving at Gatwick on February 14th. They will spend a month in Pembrokeshire enjoying a range of leisure and recuperative activities.

Log on throughout the month for reports of the children's progress.