'Life expectancy' boost for Chernobyl children visiting Shropshire

Children from Chernobyl have joined Shropshire firefighters as part of an annual respite visit.

A dozen youngsters, aged between 10 and 12, squirted water in the parade ground at Shrewsbury fire HQ and shared a meal with firefighters.

Chernobyl children visit Shropshire fire HQ Credit: Shrewsbury Fire & Rescue Service

Although the children were not born when the nuclear reactor exploded 30 years ago on April 26, 1986, they are suffering the effects with surrounding land still heavily contaminated.

It was all part of a visit to Shropshire organised by the county branch of Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline (CCL), which county firefighters support.

Blue Watch Shrewsbury, Paul Gray said:

Chernobyl children visit Shropshire fire HQ Credit: Shrewsbury Fire & Rescue Service

Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline (CCL), Jane Elliott said:

Chernobyl children visit Shropshire fire HQ Credit: Shrewsbury Fire & Rescue