CHILDREN of firemen from Belarus, all affected by the nuclear fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear plant explosion in 1986, enjoyed a visit to Tavistock Fire Station last Sunday week.

Sub-officer Tony Clark said the 16 children, together with their host families and the fire crew, had taken part in 'the biggest water fight Tavistock Fire Station has ever known'. 'Everyone ended up wet!' he said.

'To look at them they just look like normal, happy kids; there are no outward signs they are suffering.

'But they all had cancers, tumours, leukaemia or other conditions. Their life expectancy is not good,' Mr Clark said.

The children were on a month's visit to the Plymouth and West Devon area organised by a charity group — Sunflowers — based in Plymstock. Other visits had included a trip on a fire boat and visits to other fire stations.

More than two million people in Belarus still live in contaminated areas where there is no access to uncontaminated food.

The 250,000 firemen who were involved in the clear-up operation reached a maximum safe lifetime dose of radiation in 15 days. A total of 17,000 people have died from the effects and 70,000 have been permanently disabled.

'One month in this country eating uncontaminated food and breathing uncontaminated air boosts the children's immune system to such an extent it adds two years to their life expectancy,' Mr Clark said.

'When the children first arrive they are introverted and have only the clothes they stand up in. It takes about a week before the smiles start to break out.'

Mr Clark added that they hoped to entertain groups of the children on a regular basis. 'The visit certainly touched us,' he said.

The children were also treated to engine rides and a barbecue during their time in Tavistock.

The fire crew expressed their thanks to those who had helped in any way with the children's visit to the town, including Kensey Foods, Bookers, Bob Vella and the Lions.

Further information on Sunflowers can be obtained from Jeanette Fortnum on 01752 408425.