LAUGHTER and excitement brought smiles to the faces of innocent victims of the world’s worst nuclear accident this week.

Children from Chernobyl were treated to a fun filled afternoon at St Michael’s RC Primary School in Widnes.

Paul Loughran, deputy headteacher, said: “All the children had a fantastic time.

“We provided lunch and a variety of activities including singing, smoothie making, artwork and even a magician.

“By spending one month in this country every year gives the children an extra year on their life expectancy.”

A group of 16 children aged seven to 12 visit Maghull and Ormskirk annually as guests of Friends of Chernobyl.

St Michael’s pupils, teachers and parents raised £600 from a charity walk to sponsor one of the children.

“Friends of Chernobyl were delighted with the school’s hospitality,” said Mr Loughran.

“We are hoping to organise further visits with the children after recognising the positive effects on both sets of children Since the disaster in 1986, there has been a 3000 per cent rise in thyroid cancer in children living near the reactor.

Children received a dose of ratiation 40 times above permissable levels.

More than 80,00 children now have little hope due to the release of 190 tons of highly radioactive waste material.

There are so many radiation related health problems, for the first time in the history of Belarus, the death rate is higher than the birth rate.