YOUNG victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster are being given a rare chance to enjoy fresh air thanks to the kindness of families in the Crook area.

Ukrainian charity Welleka has teamed up with Crook for Children of Chernobyl as part of the Clean Air Project, which aims to give youngsters affected by the disaster a chance to improve their health.

Sixteen children have been flown over for three weeks of sightseeing and shopping in the County Durham town. The uncontaminated air and food boosts their immune systems and gives them a better chance of a longer life.

The children, some of whom will not live past 40 because of cancer, are staying with volunteer families.

Anna Shibitska, 14, and Katerina Vasileva, 15, are enjoying their second stay with Mary and Ellis Armstrong, from Crook.

Mrs Armstrong said: "These kids have led a very sad life. Last year was the first time Anna and Katerina had breathed fresh air and eaten uncontaminated food.

"Their lives in the Ukraine are a million miles away from what we know. They had not even been to the seaside when we first met them, but now I hope we have helped to enrich their lives."