VOLUNTEERS are asking for Middlewich residents' help in making life for sick children in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia a little brighter.

A group of caring friends in Middlewich who raise money for the Chernobyl Children's Lifeline have organised a visit to Belarus and are sending one of their own members out there as a representative later this month.

Every year the group organises trips that brings children who are suffering from radiation poisoning in Belarus to stay with families in Middlewich and Winsford and Northwich for a holiday.

But this time group member Ian Wilshaw will be embarking on the trip and will visit children in hospitals and brighten their day with some gifts.

Group member and organiser Hayden Wynne said: "We would be grateful for any donations of items Ian can take over there, particularly smoke alarms and tea towels.

"And we are hoping to organise more events during the year for people to get involved in."

Many people and children in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia are still suffering from the devastating affects of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

The Middlewich charity group is hoping to organise fundraising events in the next few months along the same lines as the successful bath race and fun day held in July last year.

And they want to organise more trips for children from the Ukraine and Belarus to visit Cheshire and give them a healthy break that could help them live longer.

Anyone who wants to support the cause, donate items for the trip or take part in forthcoming events, should ring Hayden Wynne on 01606 836874 or Ian Wilshaw on 01606 737633.