Children affected by the Chernobyl disaster have returned home with happy memories and big smiles after a summer holiday in Keighley.

Organisers of the Chernobyl Children's Project say the 12 children who flew from Belarus to Keighley had such a good time they did not want to go home. The children aged between nine and 15 spent more than a month with families in Keighley, who took them on a variety of fun days out.

The trip to Keighley has been a welcome break for the children, who have contracted cancer as a result of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986.

Spending just four weeks in a nuclear-free environment like Keighley could help prolong their lives by up to two years. During their stay, the youngsters were entertained with trips to Keighley's Hollywood Bowl and McDonald's as well as a day out at West Yorkshire Police headquarters in Wake-field. They were also taken on trips to Chester Zoo and Primrose Valley, but it was the thrilling rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach which proved to be the biggest hit.

Four of the children celebrated their birthday during their stay, and a disco was laid on with local man George Creek spinning the discs. Transport was provided by Keighley and District Travel and Keighley Bus Museum.

Steve Eckford, of the Chernobyl Children's Project, says a great deal of gratitude must go to those who supported the venture. He says: "We would like to say thank you to everyone who helped out."

Steve says thanks must also go out to Burgess Ford and Practical Van Hire who provided transport, as well as Asda at Colne which donated fruit.

Organisers are now taking a well earned break before starting to plan next year's visit.

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