MIKE Worton and his wife from Elmley Castle have set off for Chernobyl, Belarus on a mission they have made for the past eight years.

The trek is in aid of the charity Mr and Mrs Worton set up themselves, Chernobyl 2000, with the aim of taking supplies to people affected by the disaster.

Following an appeal in the Journal the couple were able to enlist an extra HGV driver for the trip.

Now four vehicles and eighteen volunteers on are their way, including the couple's son, and friends who have been told about the amazing experience and want to try it for themselves.

Mr Worton, aged 63, said: "We are taking some aid to a children's cancer clinic.

The items include computers, medical equipment, clothes and fourteen tonnes of washing powder". Mrs Worton, aged 64, added: "Washing powder is very scarce and very much needed." Sewing machines are also going out to stock sewing rooms the couple have set up in a village near Belarus.

4 Off to Belarus are, from front, Steve, Mike and Mo Worton and Bryan Sheridan with the aid convoy. Picture by Louise Barnsley dc8383-a