CHILDREN from Chernobyl got to take a trip in a canal boat as part of their rest and recuperation trip to the town.

The 12 children, along with their host families, took a trip down the canal thanks to the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust (WBCT) yesterday.

The youngsters from Belarus, who are making a four week recuperative visit to Wiltshire organised by the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline Charity, boarded Dragonfly, the WBCT’s trip-boat from the boarding point on the canal tow path close to Kingshill.

They all had an opportunity to steer the boat and enjoy views of the canal and local wildlife from the water along the restored section of the canal from Kingshill.

For the children lucky enough to come to the UK, it is a trip of a lifetime. It is estimated that a month staying with a family here, eating nourishing food, resting from the radiation and breathing clean air can add up to two years to their life expectancy, and improve their education over the next two years.

The charity was established in 1991 to focus its work on children in Belarus, which received over 70 per cent of the radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear explosion in 1986.

Mike Lang, Chairman of the Swindon Branch of WBCT said: “We are delighted to be able to partner with Chernobyl Children’s Life Line. Dragonfly makes regular trips for the public every Sunday and we’ve seen how much local youngsters enjoy being on the water and steering the boat.

“We’re delighted to have helped give these young people a smashing day that they’ll remember for years to come.”

Becky Hopkins was hosting the children for the second year and she said: “It is a humbling experience because people are so generous.

“The children arrive with very little and our neighbours have given us clothes for them.

“The biggest reward is seeing the children’s energy levels increase and their confidence growing.”