A PARTIALLY-blind Chernobyl boy has had the sight restored in one eye after a chance meeting with Mohammed Fayed while on a month-long stay with a Gosport family.

Alexander Vornov was visiting Harrods when the multi-millionaire spotted the ten-year-old - known as Sasha - at his famous London store and pledged to foot the bill for the life-changing operation.

When the other youngsters returned to Belarus, Sasha stayed here to undergo two private operations conducted by Southampton eye specialist Dr Andrew Luff.

Sasha - who damaged his left eye in a freak accident - now smiles broadly as he uses broken English to describe Mr Fayed as "my friend".

The disadvantaged youngster came to Gosport in June with 11 other Belarus children.

The month-long trip was organised by the charity Chernobyl Children's Lifeline to give the children a healthy break from their radiation-ridden country.

Sasha's host mother is Karen Booth, 54, of Fareham Road, Gosport.

She said: "We were on an outing to Harrods when Mr Fayed noticed his eye and asked what was wrong with it.

"I explained that he had an accident three years ago when a metal spike was thrown at him. Mr Fayed then said: 'I'll pay for whatever he needs.'"

Mrs Booth added: "First they removed the cataracts and replaced the lens.

"In the second operation at Southampton General Hospital's Eye Unit they removed the scar tissue and opened up the pupil to let more light in."

Sasha finds out on Monday whether the surgery has been a total success, but Mrs Booth says the difference has been amazing.

She said: "He had next to no vision when he first arrived and his left eye was always off-centre.

"He used to be very reserved and would tend to walk behind you.

"Now he rushes around everywhere and is brimming with confidence. He's a normal ten-year-old boy."

Chernobyl Children's Lifeline is looking for families in Fareham and Gosport who can take care of a Belorussian child for a month. Anyone who can help is asked to call 023 9250 4222 for more details.