Seven girls and four boys from Belarus families affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster have arrived in Cockermouth to spend a month with host families.

This is the 20th year that such trips have been running.

The youngsters, aged from seven to 11, were treated to a buffet at the town hall on Monday, where they met mayor Sam Standage and his wife Hilary.

Three of the children were on their first visit.

A busy programme of events has been lined up for them by Friends of Chernobyl's Children (FOCC) which includes lot of fun trips as well as health checks and swimming lessons.

The youngsters are accompanied by two interpreters.

One of them, Luidmila Fedorovich, is on her fifth visit to the town.

Luidmila, who is staying with vet Andrew Robinson and his family, said: "When the Chernobyl catastrophe happened 30 years ago although it was in Ukraine the wind was blowing in the direction of Belarus which is why 70 per cent of the radiation fell on our region.

"Our region suffered greatly. These children live in contaminated areas and suffer from the consequences.

"They eat contaminated food grown in their parents' garden. Staying here for a month is so beneficial for them."

Friends of Chernobyl's Children co-ordinator Katy Higgins welcomed Palina, 11, back for her fourth visit.

Katy, who has children Ben, 12, and Lucy, 10, said: "She's part of my family. I think of her as my other daughter.

"When she arrived at the weekend it was like she had never been away."

The group has raised £10,000 to cover the cost of the trip and is indebted to many local businesses and people for their support.

The children will visit St Helen's Dental Practice and Heal's opticians as check ups and treatment are too expensive at home.

Katy said: "This is a real respite break with the aim of giving them as much fresh air and good food as we can.

"All their parents are struggling financially so it's great that these children can go home happy and confident and with lots of new experiences."

The youngsters will enjoy days out at Whinlatter, on the La'al Ratty, Lake District Wildlife Park and Maryport Aquarium as well as swimming lessons at Keswick Spa.

Anyone who is interested in being a host family or donating to the project can email katyhiggins3@hotmail.co.uk