CHILDREN from Chernobyl have been enjoying a holiday in the North Yorkshire countryside, away from the nuclear contamination which blights their lives at home.

Even though the accident at a nuclear reactor happened before they were born, the legacy is something the youngsters face every day.

Bryan Selkirk, of Richmond, returned recently from a two-week trip behind the former Iron Curtain, delivering aid to the area.

"We visited a children's hospital while we were there and the nurses were very proud of the equipment they had, but, to be honest, it was no better than what I have in a first-aid box at home,'' he said.

He can recount stories, too, of people with physical disabilities living in mental institutions, of a home for abandoned children in decaying condition, and of pensioners who are paid ten dollars a month to keep the streets clean.

Two groups in North Yorkshire open their homes to the children every year, as well as raising money to cover the costs of their flights. On Friday, the Catterick group of children visited Richmond Castle and the Richmondshire Museum.

Other outings have included trips to Flamingo Land and an adventure weekend with the Army.