A NORTH Kent charity is looking for families to host children affected by the Chernobyl disaster, in the year of the explosion’s 25th anniversary.

Concern for Children of Chernobyl, based in Gravesend, raises money to bring children from Belarus over to the north Kent area for a month’s holiday.

The trip allows children to take part in activities and acts as a break from the radioactivity still affecting the area 25 years after the explosion, in which around 100 tonnes of radioactive debri was blasted out.

Sixty-three year old Mary Jones is the publicity officer for the charity and she and husband Henry, aged 66, have also hosted children for almost 15 years.

Grandmother-of-four Mrs Jones said: “The effects of the explosion will be felt there for hundreds of years, if they ever go. We just want to give them some time away from the contaminiation.”

The charity, which raises money through events such as coffee mornings, organises trips to the seaside and zoo for the children who visit.

Mrs Jones added: “There’s not really an age limit for host families, as long as people feel they are able to have a child in their home and drive them to pick up points.

“I’ve hosted children and interpreters at the same time, and it’s absolutely wonderful. It’s such fun and I feel like I’m doing something to help them for their future.”

If you would like more information on becoming a host family, contact Mrs Jones on 01634 251967.