DENTISTS and a minibus are desperately needed to help a group of children from Chernobyl.

More than 200 youngsters from the Ukraine's nuclear disaster area are coming to stay with host families in East Lancashire this year, and 30 of them arrive in three weeks.

Firms and small businesses in the region have already agreed to buy shoes for the children and provide them with haircuts, and they have been given free entry to various amusements. But they are still in need of free dental treatment and a means of transport.

Their trip has been organised by the Children of Chernobyl, which was set up in Blackburn 16 months ago. Its coordinator Mrs Olwen Keogh says the charity has grown at a speed she could never have imagined and new groups have already formed in Hyndburn and Great Harwood, Clitheroe, Kirkham and Wesham, Blackrod and Cockermouth.

"It has gone from us bringing one child over to 50 last year and 200 this year," said Mrs Keogh.

"We've been inundated with people wanting to host children and have been contacted by families from the Isle of Wight to the Highlands of Scotland.

"But the problem we have is raising the money to bring the children here and finding transport for them all. Hiring a minibus or coach drains all our funds."

She added: "The children who are coming in three weeks time are all going to get a new pair of shoes from Newman's and are having their hair done for free. They are also going to see the dentist but we have not found dentists for all the children as yet."

Anyone who can help with the minibus or dental treatment, or who wants to get involved with the charity, can contact the Children of Chernobyl on 01254 248966.

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