TEN tragic children from Chernobyl have had an entertainment culture shock on their Leigh holiday.

The party from Belarus, hit by the world's biggest nuclear disaster in 1986, is here on a respite break organised by the Medicine in Chernobyl Culcheth Branch.

And the children, staying with host families in the area, have had a busy fortnight so far visiting Chester Zoo, Blackpool, Camelot. Knowsley Safari Park, the Blue Planet aqua centre and horse riding.

Organiser Barbara Priestman, of Cavendish Street, Leigh, said: "The children, from one of the worst hit areas of the poverty stricken Belarus, are in shock.

"They can't believe the availabilty of food and the number of places of entertainment.

"They find swimming in a pool unbelievable. They have to bathe in a river."

Barbara, husband John, and four other members of the group went out to Belarus on a fact finding mission earlier this year.

And there they took a video of the sad life in the primitive hospitals and hospices.

They plan to use the film to loan to local organisations which hopefuly will raise funds to help buy much needed medicines for the children.

Barbara said: "Could I appeal to people to help these children have a better life.

"The story The Journal wrote on the children's arrival has attracted three new host families for next year, which is great. But we would like people to be kind and dig into their pockets to buy a few vitamins, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes for the children to take back with them when they go at the end of July."

Any group who would like to borrow the video to see how the poor half lives can contact Barbara on 01942 676627.