IT IS all too easy for us to bemoan the place in which we live.

Why can there not be more green, open spaces? Why are we not blessed with a sunnier climate? How can it be fair that our neighbourhood does not resemble St Tropez a little more?

We then dream of escaping our "dreary lives" to go on annual holidays somewhere exotic.

But let us spare a thought for those youngsters whose dream holiday means coming to the very places we strive to escape from.

That is the case with a group of children born near the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

The youngsters, aged nine to 11, hope to enjoy a holiday in Little Hulton and Walkden this summer.

But first, the group has to raise £5,500 for air fare. Campaigners say medical evidence shows just a month in Little Hulton could add two years to the children's lives.

Past visits have shown that by the end of their stay, the children return to their homes "brighter, happier" and a "lot healthier".

Visits here boost the immune system of youngsters, who need the help because winters in their homeland are so very severe.

Next time any of us are about to once again bemoan "our lot" it is well worth stopping to think and appreciate just what it is we have here.