HEALTH BREAK: A group of young people enjoying a recuperative break in North Staffordshire took a trip to a heritage site.

Nineteen youngsters from Belarus are currently staying in the region.

They enjoyed a slap up meal before exploring the mines at Apedale Valley Heritage Centre, in Chesterton.

They were also given a guided tour of the site by a former miner.

The group also paid a visit to the Foxfield Railway, in Blythe Bridge, as part of their time in England.

The trip to the mines was funded and organised by The Rotary Club of Stone and District.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Even now the environmental, social and health effects are still felt by residents.

It is thought that a four-week stay in countries such as Britain, where youngsters breathe in clean air and enjoy fresh food, can improve the health of a visitor from the Chernobyl blast zone for at least two years and gives them a better chance of either recovering from or avoiding serious illness.

Pictured, from left, are Kostya Saleiko, Apedale Valley Heritage Centre volunteer Kelvin Downing, and Yana Tarasevich.

Picture: Shaun Smith