STIRLING welcomed a group of school pupils who had been affected by one of the world's worst nuclear disasters.

Provost Christine Simpson welcomed a group of Ukrainian children whose health has been affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster to Stirling recently.

The 10 children from the Borodyanka area, located around 60 miles from where the catastrophe unfolded more than 30 years ago, are on a respite holiday in the area thanks to the Forth Valley branch of Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline, with the support of Stirling Council.

For around a month, children stay with local host families and enjoy clean air, medical care, uncontaminated food and a range of fun and cultural activities.

Research has shown that even this short period of recuperation can improve their health by giving their immune systems a chance to recover.

Among the places the children visited in the Stirling area were Raploch Fire Station, the National Wallace Monument, Blair Drummond Safari Park, Stirling Castle and the Engine Shed.

After meeting the children at the Monument, Stirling Provost Christine Simpson said: “It was a privilege to welcome the children from Ukraine at one of our most iconic landmarks and I hope they had a fun and enjoyable stay in Stirling

“We are proud to support Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline and the life-changing work they do, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local host families in Stirling who make this project possible.”