GWENT grandfather Raymond Reese (pictured( may be partially sighted, but he has overcome his disability to help the children of Chernobyl.

The glaucoma sufferer, whose sight is now impaired with double vision, undertook the painstaking task of building a dolls' house, which will be donated to the Victims of Chernobyl Children's Fund charity.

Mr Reese, 78, of Crossway, in Rogiet, who suffers with acute glaucoma, created the three- storey dolls' house, then donated it as the top prize in a raffle to help raise much-needed money to bring sick children from Belarus to Wales.

Mr Reese and his wife, Pearl, became interested in helping the child victims of the world's worst nuclear power accident after being invited by Marcia Doyle - one of the charity's trustees - to watch a video showing the children's plight.

"I began helping with packing the clothes and equipment that was being sent to Belarus and Raymond built the dolls' house," said Mrs Reese.

"We wanted to make a contribution to all the hard work Marcia and the team are putting in to helping the children."

Mrs Doyle, of Wentwood View, Caldicot, said the money raised by the raffle would enable three children to travel to Wales for a holiday.

She said: "We have plans to bring 14 children altogether. One of them is a little boy who was fitted with a pacemaker last year at Guy's Hospital, in London. He'll be going back there for a check-up - we've heard he's doing very well."

Mr Reese's eyesight deteriorated at such a slow pace that he did not realise he had a problem until he began to see what looked like colourful rings around lights at night. After being diagnosed with glaucoma in 1976, Mr Reese has since undergone two operations to alleviate the problem and bring stability to his eyesight.

But with the aid of good lighting and a pair of spectacles he has developed an interest in miniature architecture, and has made a cottage to be donated to raise funds for pensioners.

Anyone interested in buying a ticket or making a contribution should contact Mrs Marcia Doyle at The Hills, 2 Wentwood View, Caldicot, Gwent, or dial 01291 422694.