A special music workshop was held at a Thetford school for youngsters from Belarus who are part of the Friends of Chernobyl’s Children charity.

Thetford & Brandon Times: Two of the children, Sophia, 8, and nine-year-old Vlad, who enjoyed the music workshop. Picture: Sue RoochoveTwo of the children, Sophia, 8, and nine-year-old Vlad, who enjoyed the music workshop. Picture: Sue Roochove (Image: Archant)

The children, aged between eight and nine, live in areas which have been contaminated by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

They spend one month in Norfolk, where they receive recuperative health care, English lessons and enjoy activities, including trips to the seaside, with their host families.

The children visited Thetford Grammar School for a music workshop where they played with the musical instruments and put on a show.

Head of charities at the school Daniella Dunsmore said: “It was fantastic to see the children collaborating in such an energetic, noisy and loud way where language was no barrier to fun and creativity.”

Viktoria Nasedkina, the children’s interpreter, said “This trip is awesome for the children as well as for me. We are very nicely treated here and it is amazing to see all that people are doing for us.”

The children are sent back home with a year’s supply of vitamins and donated clothing.