THE 12 Chernobyl children who have been staying in Settle returned to their own country at the weekend.

Dierdre Cokell and her husband Ernie, of Falcon Close, were just one of the families who opened their doors to the visitors.

Dierdre said the children were both happy and sad to leave on Sunday following a month-long visit.

"They feel they have brothers and sisters here now and think of their English hosts and 'pappas and mammas'," she said.

Just one of the children, Egor, was making his first trip to Settle as the others, all under the age of 11, visited last year.

Two interpreters, both teachers, accompanied the children and assisted as they took part in various activities at Settle Sports Centre.

In addition, around half a dozen local teachers came out of retirement to help the youngsters.

"The work they produced was outstanding and we hope to be able to exhibit it some time," said Dierdre.

"They all had a marvellous time and looked grand when they left; much healthier."

The children, all from Megilev and Belarus and suffering from the after-effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, are taught either German or Polish as a second language in their own country but have been teaching themselves English as well.

"They really put us to shame with their language skills," said Dierdre. "Their English is coming on really well."

Trips to the Lake District were planned, as well as activities closer to base, and appointments with the dentist and optician had also been arranged for the children's well-being.

The youngsters left loaded with gifts, many which we would regard as everyday items but classed as luxury to their families: "Items such as tea bags and coffee are so expensive over there and their parents just cannot afford to buy them," added Dierdre.

Local knitters have been busy crafting a jumper for each of the children, and they were also given a year's supply of vitamins as well as a supply for their brothers and sisters.

The families are now looking forward to next year when the children will return once again.

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