A CHARITY founded by the Rotary Club of Crewe and Nantwich Weaver is appealing for generous families to open their doors to 'foster' children from Chernobyl.

The children are due to arrive in Nantwich on July 19 for four weeks thanks to the hard and caring work of Chernobyl Children's Cancer Care (4C's), the charity founded by the rotary club which has raised £10,000 for 24 children who are the victims of contamination following the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.

Local residents are now being asked to provide the children with a trip of a lifetime that will give them the chance to experience some clean air and a welcome break from their troubles back home in Belarus.

So far 19 children have been catered for but five more are in need of a home, which is causing concern for 4C's committee member Ann Bateman.

"This is the seventh year that they have come over but this is the first time that we have got this far down the line and we've been struggling," she said.

"We have got the funds but the most important thing is the families because if we can't find any more we will have to cut the number of children who are able to come over, which would be a real shame.

She added: "The holiday in this area, the good food and the clean air, and above all the love and care they receive from their host families can transform the lives of these children.

"Every one is a victim of the continuing pollution and contamination caused by growing foods in contaminated soil - it really is tragic - but we know that their stay in England does wonders for their health."

Anyone wanting to offer a place should contact Ann on 01270 524217.