Helping raise a smile

Chris Lupton, of Leeds Road, hosted the group of children and their families at the Morley restaurant he runs with his brother Mark.

Their visit to Leeds was hosted by the city’s branch of the Chernobyl Children’s Project, which is run by the brothers’ father Sam.

Chris, 42, said: “It was a great experience, I hadn’t met the children before and it was great to see them.”

“They come from areas that are poor for their health and we want to help give them a better life.”

The charity organises recuperative holidays for children from Belarus, which still has high levels of radiation following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986.

Spending just a month away from the radiation can give the children an extra three years of healthy living.

Chris, whose restaurant Luppy’s Diner has an American theme compete with genuine vehicles, said he wouldn’t hesitate in getting involved with the charity again.

He added: “It was because of my dad’s passion that I decided to get involved. I’d do it again and encourage anyone to give it a go.”

Diana Taylor, from the project, said: “It is very gratifying that local businesses are able to offer their help to make this a holiday which the children will never forget.”