Eastleigh families are being asked to open their homes to children from Belarus who are still suffering from the after-effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986.

The Eastleigh Link of the Chernobyl Children Life Line charity needs families to host children for two or four weeks this July.

A spokesman for the charity said: "Due to the long lasting after-effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster many children contract serious illness.

"The purpose of having the children to stay is to boost their immune systems and to give them a great holiday."

Charity organisers take the children out on various trips throughout their stay - some of which host families can take part in if they wish to.

If you can help with hosting this year's visit, contact Wendy Sampson on 023 8069 4552 or e-mail cclleastleigh@ aol.com