The children from Chernobyl are pictured with representatives of the Louvre Group.

A SHORTAGE of host families could see the end of Chernobyl children’s visits to the island.

Youngsters from the area affected by the 1986 nuclear disaster have come over to the island for the last 16 years.

Usually, 14 children would visit for a total of four weeks but this year there were enough local families to accommodate only 12.

Chairman of the Guernsey Chernobyl link Terry Iles said it was vital that they found more hosts so the trips could continue.

‘Over time we have gradually seen some of the original host families having to stop taking in children, perhaps due to illness or age,’ he said.

‘Originally there used to be two visits, one at Christmas and one in the summer, but it became too difficult to find accommodation for the children at Christmas as it gets quite busy.’

He said it was important that the children could come over to the island.

‘It gives them a chance to get away and have a decent diet and to get some fresh air.’