Children from one of the most contaminated places on the planet visited Lincoln and added two years to their life in the process.

But unlike families from Belarus affected by the Chernobyl disaster, the visiting Ukrainian children had to pay visa fees to come to the UK.

The money for their trip, visas and activities while they are here was raised by the Lincoln and North Hykeham branch of the Chernobyl Children's Life Line.

Chairman of the group Sue Kenyon, who has been involved in the charity for a decade said: "Altogether it costs about £6,500 every year to bring across 12 children and a teacher.

"We do find it a bit of a struggle and we are very lucky that a lot of the companies and attractions we go to let us in for free.

"The visas are £70 each and that money could be used to bring across more children and help them.

"These trips and years to their lives and they also go to a dentist and an optician and get checked out medically.

"The difference you see when they leave a month later is just wonderful."

The 12 children are aged between 10 and 12 and have enjoyed several trips out in their month in Lincoln and even got to see the sea, some for the first time.

In previous years the Lincoln and North Hykeman Life Line brought across Belarusian children and did not have to pay visa costs.

An agreement with the Belarusian government resulted in free passage for children because of the massive impact Chernobyl had on their country.

It was felt that the Ukraine was not as badly affected and so the visa fee remained in place.

Peter Carlsson, who acted as a host for the first time this year said: "These children live just 55km from the Chernobyl site.

"It is one of the most contaminated places on the planet and their immune systems are weak and they are more liable to contract cancer."