ORGANISERS of respite trips to the UK for children from Chernobyl and Beslan are appealing for help ahead of their next visit to Hampshire in June.

They are desperately in need of a relief driver to transport children on trips around the county during a month-long visit to Gosport.

The two current drivers will struggle to fulfil an action-packed diary of activities for the 14 youngsters and their head teacher.

The group are visiting from a school in Chernobyl, Belarus, where a nuclear disaster nearly 20 years ago has since caused thousands of children to suffer from cancer, birth defects and respiratory problems.

The Chernobyl Children's Lifeline organises trips for youngsters to leave their contaminated homeland and has just launched a similar project for children caught up in the Beslan school siege in September.

Karen Booth, who is currently playing host to children from Beslan at her home in Fareham Road, is one of two drivers of the group's minibus.

She said: "If anybody retired, with a bit of time on their hands, could help us out we would be more grateful than you can ever imagine.

"We just need somebody who would like to drive 12 lovely children around and make a big difference to their lives.

"It would be brilliant if anybody could help them have a nice time.

"It's too much for me and the other driver."

The group are also always looking for cuddly toys and helpers.

Anyone able to help should call Karen on 077759 77759.