TWENTY children, who are affected by radiation after the Chernobyl disaster, have visited Suffolk to receive respite care.

The Mid Suffolk link of the national charity, Chernobyl Children’s Life Line, brought the children over from Belarus for a 28-day stay in the county.

The children, who are between seven to 10-years-old, arrived in Needham Market at the start of the month.

And thanks to the generosity of local people they have received free eye check-ups, new glasses and free dental care.

All 20 children attended Wedgewood Dental Surgery in Stowmarket, where they had a total of 48 fillings and 25 extractions done.

Chair of Mid Suffolk Chernobyl Children’s Life Line, Elizabeth Parker, said: “Only five did not need any treatment. It is the only chance they get for any decent dental care. This kid here now is smiling away. You would never know he has had anything done.

“Without people like them we would not be able to do what we do for the kids.”

The children, who are from Cherikov in Belarus, are enjoying a programme of events from the charity’s link base at Needham Market Football Club.

The repercussions from the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster are still being keenly felt.

Mrs Parker said the children come to Suffolk often looking pale and tired, but return home looking refreshed and revitalised.

The link runs its charity shop in Needham Market and throughout the year collects second hand clothing for the children.

The charity is based adjacent to the Rampant Horse public house in Coddenham Road.