The search is still on for an 'emergency family' to ensure that a trip to Ilkley for children dying of cancer can go ahead.

The Ilkley branch of the Chernobyl Children's Project has been raising money to bring children from Chernobyl on a month's holiday to Ilkley.

Last Saturday the group held a flag day at the bandstand on The Grove, Ilkley, providing information about the project for people.

Children from Westville School choir sang and musicians from Bradford Grammar Junior School entertained shoppers.

A successful appeal in the Gazette has led to 24 families volunteering to host 12 children for two weeks in the summer.

But the group needs one more family to volunteer in case of an emergency.

Children dying of cancer could have their life expectancy extended by two years if volunteers can be found to look after them for two weeks.

Lis Merrick said: "Thanks to the Gazette we have now found enough host families in Ilkley to bring over 12 children, plus an interpreter for a month from July 23.

"We still need a back-up family who can take over from a host family if there is a crisis. If anyone is interested they can give me a call.

"The radiation levels are at their highest in summer in Chernobyl and if the children come over here in that period then their life expectancy could be increased by two years. Ninety per cent of them are in remission and I first looked after two girls last year. It was a lot of fun and very rewarding."

The group is planning to bring 12 children, aged between 10 and 18, and an interpreter to Ilkley from July 23, but they still need to raise more money to fund their airfares.

To help them raise the money they will be packing people's shopping at Booths Supermarket on Saturday with pupils from All Saints, Clevedon House and Bradford Grammar Junior School.

Also they are holding a fashion show on Friday, April 19, at 7.30pm at Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club, with tickets priced at £7 and available from organiser Lis Merrick or the Tennis Club.

The Chernobyl Children's Project was set up in 1995 to help children living under the shadow of the Nuclear plant, by giving then a break in the UK during the summer months.

The Project began in response to a desperate appeal faxed from doctors caring for children in the Chernobyl affected country of Belarus.

If anyone is interested in finding out more about the project or interested in becoming a host family they can ring Lis Merrick on (01943) 600484 or attend their next meeting at Clevedon House School Junior Library on Monday, April 15, at 7.30pm.ends