Lions Bryan Fowler, Tim Redman, John Manley and Tony Williams with with some of the children.

CHILDREN who come from within 20 miles of a nuclear explosion site had an exciting day out in Weston.

The visit to the Grand Pier, organised by Weston Lions Club, was for 12 youngsters from the Belarus area, close to the Chernobyl border.

They were treated to free ride vouchers and spent the morning experiencing the thrills to be had inside the pavilion building.

Belarus is a landlocked country, so for almost all the youngsters it was the first time they had ever seen the sea.

Grand Pier owner Kerry Michael said: “This is not the first time we have welcomed the children of Chernobyl to the Grand Pier.

“It is great that we are again able to give these youngsters a fantastic fun day out at the seaside.”

The children’s trip also included a ride on the donkeys, lunch at the Queenswood Hotel and a visit to the SeaQuarium. They have been brought over by The Children of Chernobyl charity which has been bringing youngsters to Somerset for the past 20 years.