STUDENTS at Halesowen College are helping to make a difference to the lives of children suffering from the ongoing effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Foundation degree pupils at the college have been arranging lots of fun activities for youngsters from Belarus to enjoy while on their visit to the UK.

The Belarusian children, aged from eight to 12, come to the region for a month every year to help improve their health from the effects of radiation from Chernobyl.

The college has close links with the charity, Friends of Chernobyl’s Children (FOCC) Black Country, who arrange the visit.

Carole Barber, from Halesowen College, said: “We all really enjoyed the visit and the children had a great day.

“It was a great experience for the students to organise the day and to give something back to the children who have had a difficult start in life.”

The children are visiting the UK for one month every year for five consecutive years, which has been shown to have a significant effect up on their overall quality of life, their happiness, health and well-being.