Fourteen children from the villages of Lapichi and Korytnoye in the Belarusian district of Ossipovichi are currently enjoying Pembrokeshire hospitality and a recuperative month in the county.

The children come from the radiation damaged area around the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. They spend a month staying with host families in the north Pembrokeshire. This is the time of year when winter in Belarus is at its harshest, food is scarce and the children's immune systems are least likely to be able to fight off infection.

Doctor in Belarus believe that the four week visits, hosted by the north Pembrokeshire link of the Chernobyl Children's lifeline, can significantly reduce the levels of toxins in the children's blood and add two years to their life expectancy.

In their first week the children have enjoyed a scrumptious welcome tea with the Mayor of Fishguard as well as some fine food laid on by the Old Cross Hotel in St Davids. They have learnt a smattering English during a fun English lesson and been entertained at the pantomime in Theatr Gwaun.

They have also explored the dungeons and towers of Pembroke Castle and got creative during a brass rubbing session and a book making workshop.

The children are in Pembrokeshire for another three weeks and have a fun packed program lined up for them thanks to the generosity of local organizations and charities. Log on next week to see what they have been up to.