Twins living in an area still affected by one of the biggest nuclear disasters in history helped to distribute the Epsom Guardian to your door last week.

Papergirl Cathy Taylor, 16, who lives in Epsom, was helped with her round by 10-year-olds Natashka and Dasha Reshatouskaya, who come from the south west region of Belarus in Eastern Europe - one of the most contaminated areas of the world as a result of the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, which has left their food, water supply and air polluted with radioactivity.

Part of a group of 12 visitors, the girls are staying with Cathy and her family as part of a visit organised by the Mid Surrey Link of the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline charity - which sees a group of children visiting the Epsom, Ashtead and Leatherhead areas from Belarus every summer for four weeks.

The charity said the break - which provides the children with nourishing food and the chance to breathe clean air - is believed to significantly increase their health by giving their immune systems a chance to recover.

Activities the children have participated in while here have included visiting Epsom College where they were given clothes collected through the year, a dentist check-up and treatment, a visit to the opticians, a visit to McDonald’s in the town centre, making and eating pizza at Epsom Pizza Hut, playing a football match at Sutton Little League, and a day of fun at Chessington World of Adventures.

Since the start of the charity, it has hosted 162 children in 10 summer and four Christmas visits.

For more information visit www.midsurreylink.org