FRIENDS from the local branch of the Chernobyl Children's Lifeline have just returned from the Ukraine where they visited the power plant at the centre of the 1986 disaster.

Friends and supporters attending an open evening held by the Totnes & South Hams link of Chernobyl Children's Lifeline at Kingsbridge Methodist Hall last week heard about the recent visit to Ukraine by four people from the link – Sue Wyeth, David Neate, and Ian and Lydia McClure. There was an opportunity to discuss the work of the charity, and for the new host families for next year's children's visit to talk to the families who had hosted before.

'Our visit to Ukraine was quite amazing, and very humbling' says vice chairman Ian McClure, who has lived and worked in the country. 'Our 30-strong delegation visited schools, town halls and rehabilitation centres in the towns of Korosten and Borodyanka, which are still affected by the contamination from the explosion at Chernobyl nuclear power station. Everywhere we went we were treated to overwhelming Ukrainian hospitality. For me the most moving part of the visit was meeting the children whom our link had hosted last year, seeing their schools and meeting their parents and teachers. Many of us also had the opportunity to visit people's homes.

'We spent a fascinating morning at the fire station in Korosten. The town is about 50 miles from Chernobyl, and the fire crews attended the blaze and explosion at the power plant in 1986. They have just taken delivery of two brand new state-of-the-art fire engines supplied by Chernobyl Children's Lifeline, to replace their ageing Soviet-era machines.

'The trip to Chernobyl itself was quite surreal: we were able to wander round the highly-radiated site, feed giant catfish in the cooling ponds and photograph the vast new concrete sarcophagus, which is being built to cap No.4 reactor where the explosion and fire occurred 26 years ago. We were glad of our protective suits, brought out from UK, when the reading on our dosimeters shot up from 40 – normal, and safe – to a staggering 1,100.

'Contrast this with the lavish performance of Swan Lake we attended at Kiev opera house on our last evening in the country and you will see that we had a memorable, varied and instructive week.'

There will be an opportunity to find out more about the work of the charity at a breakfast cafe on the morning of Sunday October 28 at Ugborough Village Hall. For more details, offers of help – the group are looking for a part-time secretary/admin person – ring Chairman Sue Wyeth on 01548 821201 or Ian McClure on 01548 830578, or visit our website http://www.ccll.org.uk/totnes">www.ccll.org.uk/totnes