CHILDREN from Chernobyl visited students in Sussex to learn about each other’s lives.

In 1986 a reactor at the Chernobyl nuclear power station in Ukraine exploded during a safety test.

A wave of radiation was sent across the area with devastating effects on those living their.

Many workers at the plant died within weeks of the incident and many others suffered radiation-related injuries and illnesses.

Charity group Friends of Chernobyl’s Children “works to relieve the suffering of children from the resounding after-effects of the 1986 nuclear disaster, which is still devastating families across poverty-stricken Belarus”. It organises annual trips for children living in affected areas to visit the UK.

They receive healthcare and English lessons while being looked after by UK host ​families.

Since 2012, they have visited Sussex annually for four weeks.

Healthcare and childhood studies students at Crawley College spent a morning entertaining the children, aged between seven and 12.

Lecturer Kirsty Robinson has spearheaded the college’s involvement since 2012.

She said: “Although it has been more than 30 years since the Chernobyl disaster, it still has a massive impact on families from the area.

“For some, they have suffered health problems but many families live in abject poverty as a result of the disaster. The area has never recovered economically and it is hard to imagine what life is like for these children.

“For us, it is humbling. For our students, they have an opportunity to learn about the children and how their lives can be transformed.

“We have the honour and privilege of meeting some truly special young people. It is remarkable.”

Last year the college raised more than £1,800 for the charity. This will allow it to sponsor twin boys to come to the UK this summer.

Crawley College student Shannon Wilson said: “I’ve learnt a lot and I have a lot more knowledge and understanding about how they live, but they are still so happy. I think it puts a lot of things into perspective.”

Sheila Nash is the co-ordinator the Mid-Sussex group for the Friends of Chernobyl’s Children.

She said: “All of us involved are really grateful for the wonderful support the Crawley College staff and students have given us over the years – both the fun activities they provide for our kids each summer and the amazing fundraising effort last year, which will more than pay for our little twins’ visit this summer and some towards the next year.

“It’s so good that both our children and the Crawley students benefit so much from the link we have created.”