MEMBERS of the congregation at Great Malvern Priory created a human 25 in the church grounds to commemorate the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl, a quarter-century ago this week.

They gathered in the churchyard on Monday evening (April 26), the eve of the 25th anniversary of the catastrophe.

Rev Jim Knights introduced the vigil by recalling the day of the explosion and the consequences for the people of Belarus and the Ukraine.

About forty people standing in the form of the number 25 held lighted candles and a prayer was said remembering not only those affected by Chernobyl but also the people of Japan.

After a short silence, Mr Knights spoke about the work of Chernobyl Children's Life Line, enables children from the affected areas of Belarus to enjoy a health-giving holiday in Malvern.

The charity's work continues this year, when ten children from David-Gorodok will arrive on June 15 for their four-week stay.