The North Pembrokeshire Link of the Chernobyl Children's Life Line has finally had to close down after 13 years of providing respite holidays for children suffering from the long-term effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Last year, the 30th anniversary of the disaster, the group was unable to host children from Chernobyl, due to a lack of host families. This was the first time in 12 years that this had happened.

The time the children spent in the county boosted their immune systems and provided essential visits to the dentists and opticians as well as plenty of opportunity to explore and enjoy the county.

Despite an appeal for new volunteers and committee members, the link has been unable to find sufficient host families to make the visits worthwhile and last week announced its decision to close.

Over the 12 years it was running the link hosted more than 195 children, who spent up to a month or more in Pembrokeshire and another 26 young people from the Clear Voices Choir, who visited in 2006 for a four day working holiday.

"While this is a sad day, the link is proud to look back to a long history of supporting the children," said link member, Richard Goswell.

"The link was formed in 2003 and in those 13 years there have been 15 large group visits and 12 smaller groups organised by individual families.

"We would like to thank the tremendous kindness and generosity of individuals, local businesses and activity centres.

"There have been hundreds of meals, subsidised or free of charge and numerous donations in the form of knitted pullovers, clothing, art and craft materials, and the time and labour of countless helpers, too many to mention by name.

"Over £80,000 has been raised and spent during those 13 years and we have given a wonderful taste of Pembrokeshire for the children to treasure for the rest of their lives."