YOUNGSTERS from Belarus had a big part to play in the big day of a Kinver man whose family has been welcoming children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster for the last 22 years.

For Paul Becke - summers have always been spent entertaining youngsters living with the after effects of the 1986 catastrophe as his mum Ann is chairman of the Kinver branch of the Chernobyl Children's Lifeline charity which aims to give children a month-long break of fresh air, good food and fun to help boost their poor immune systems.

It seemed only fitting that this year's visiting group should be guests of honour at the wedding of riding school owner Paul and his bride Amelia Capon, both 25.

But as they completed the formalities - the happy couple, who live at Blakeshall, had no idea the youngsters were getting their Belarusian flags ready to form a 14-strong guard of honour to surprise them as they left St Peter's Church.

Ann Becke said: "It was all wonderful.

"I sat behind Paul before Amelia arrived and he said he had seen all the Chernobyl children sat in the back of the church all dressed up and it had made him well up.

"Little did he know what would happen when they opened the church door and they stepped out. It was lovely. They were so excited when they saw the children; it made the day."

She added: "This year it is 30 years since the Chernobyl disaster and we have been bringing children here for 22 years so Paul has known nothing else in July or August since the age of four."

Paul and Amelia met at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire, where Paul studied horse management before returning to Kinver to set up a riding school - Paul Becke Equestrian.

Amelia moved to Kinver from Bath four years ago and has just qualified as a veterinary nurse in addition to helping Paul run the business.

Ann said: "They are a true love story."