Youngsters from Chernobyl arrived in Keighley - and were immediately bowled over.

The 11 children sent the pins crashing during games at the town's Hollywood Bowl, which proved to be right up the youngsters' alley. It was the perfect end to the day for the youngsters who had earlier received a complimentary feast at McDonalds in the town centre.

They were joined on the day out by Keighley children with whose families they have been staying during their holiday in the area.

The children have been brought to this country by the Chernobyl Children's Project, which organises annual holidays in Keighley for youngsters affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Belarus in 1988.

The children - aged between ten and 15 - have all developed cancer as a result of the power station disaster, and spending just a month in a fallout-free area like Keighley can extend their life expectancy by more than two years.

They have been staying with 11 families dotted around the Keighley area, who have taken them on day trips to Primrose Valley near Filey, and the West Yorkshire Police headquarters in Wakefield.

Project member Steve Eckford says: "All of the children have enjoyed themselves so far and have got on well with our youngsters. We have even had parties for a few of the children who have celebrated their birthday over here.

"We have regular meetings and try to take them out in one group as often as possible. It has been very hectic but good fun."

The project has also benefited from a weekly donation of fresh fruit from the Asda superstore in Colne.

Before they return to Belarus on Tuesday, the youngsters will travel to Chester Zoo in style, courtesy of a ride on one of the vintage vehicles owned by Keighley Bus Museum.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the Chernobyl Children's Project should contact Steve Eckford on 691260. Any funds left over will be put towards organising next year's event.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.