Youngsters from Belarus whose lives have been affected by the Chernobyl disaster have been given a warm welcome to Hucknall.
The group of thirteen children, aged between seven and eight, have come to stay with local host families for four weeks.
Their trip has been made possible by Hucknall's Friends of the Chernobyl Children's charity, which has been reaching out to youngsters affected by the Chernobyl disaster for the past 16 years.
The impact of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station disaster in 1986 was 96 times greater than the Hiroshima atomic bomb and its effects are still being felt in the region today.
Fundraising co-ordinator Kim Challand said: "Landing in England at the height of summer these lovely young people can look forwards to having the time of their lives during their one month's stay.
"So much has been planned for them and as our "special guests" there will be golden opportunities for them to take part in a packed programme of activities and events which will enrich their lives.
"The most important thing is that we are getting them away from Belarus and away from the radiation. It is not 100 per cent proven but since the start of this project the life expectancy of the children has increased by two years for every month they spend with us."
During their stay, the children will be educated at Hucknall's National Primary School, pay visits to opticians for eye tests and to doctors and dentists for health checks.
As well as weekly outings to places such as Clumber Park, Burntstump Country Park and Centre Parcs, the group will also enjoy swimming lessons at Hucknall Leisure Centre, horse riding and sporting activities.
Branch chairman David Palmer said: "It is the first time that this particular group of children will enjoy the benefits of our hospitality and it is hoped that they will come to us for at least another five years.
"Kim has played a big part in raising the £14,000 needed to meet the costs of the visit and the support for her fund-raising events has been phenomenal. Local people have dug deep to help our cause supporting initiatives such as a race night, breakfast brunch, a golf day, skittles challenge, and raffles and prize draws."
Hucknall resident Barbara Palmer, who attended the welcome party, said: "going the extra mile to bring sunshine into the lives of the young Chernobyl children".
She added: "We visited Belarus last year and it was certainly a real eye-opener for us. The families are very poor but they have dignity and are very proud at what they do in very difficult circumstances."
Special needs teacher Gemma Devine and her partner Carl Nightingale, a local builder, said: " My mother Esther was a Chernobyl host when I was a teenager and I am proud to say that years later I am following in her footsteps."
Anyone interested in becoming a Chernobyl host or would like to support the charity with a donation, should contact Kim Challand on 0115 9639434.
