A group of youngsters whose country was one of the worst affected in the Chernobyl nuclear disaster have arrived in Luton for a restorative break this week.

The aim of the month-long visit, organised by the Chernobyl Children's Lifeline charity, is to improve the life expectancy of the 10 youngsters from Belarus, the country worst hit by radiation contamination after the 1986 disaster.

While in Luton they are staying with families of staff from the Admiral Group, and will take part in outdoor activities such as cycling and walking, organised by sustainable transport charity Sustrans.

Sarah Leeming, active travel co-ordinator at Sustrans in Luton, said: "We are delighted to be supporting Admiral Group during the Chernobyl children's four week visit.

"Taking part in outdoor exercise such as walking and cycling will really help to boost the well being of these children, and we hope their visit to Luton will inspire them to continue to enjoy physical activity when they return home."

Sustrans works with individuals and companies in Luton and loans out bicycles as part of its Active Lives, Healthy People project, one of 10 walking and cycling projects it has set up across England.

Raj Parmar from Admiral Group, based in Chobham Street, Luton, said: "The four-week visit to the UK is anticipated to increase each child's life expectancy by two years.

"Our employees regularly take part in Sustrans' lunchtime health walks, and the outdoor exercise has really helped to boost their health and energy levels."

For more information about Sustrans in Luton, visit www.sustrans.org.uk