CHILDREN poisoned by a blast at a nuclear power plant will be helped this Sunday when Chernobyl Children’s Life Line hosts an Irish tea at its charity shop and cafe at 95 Victoria Road.

The group helps to bring parties over from the part of Ukraine devastated by the 1986 explosion. Many children born since the disaster have suffered poor health and sometimes life-limiting illnesses due to the radiation.

Doctors say respite visits to the UK can add five years or more to their lives. Parties visiting Swindon live with volunteer host families, of which more are needed, and go on trips as well as seeing dentists and opticians.

Sunday’s tea, chosen in honour of St Patrick’s Day, is from 3pm-6pm. Tickets cost £7.50 and visitors will get sandwiches, cakes and a drink.

Visit ccll.org.uk/swindonoldtown