Up and away for great balloon race
YOUNGSTERS released hundreds of balloons into the air to see which would travel the furthest while raising money for their school.
St Bernadette RC Primary School held its seventh annual balloon race on April 24, partly to mark the Feast Day of St Bernadette, which was celebrated on April 16.
Hundreds of pupils aged three to 11 were joined by their teachers, parents and carers for a loud countdown to the balloon release.
They cheered as the blue and yellow balloons – which matched the school’s colours – soared eastward, each carrying a label giving the name of the child who released it and the school’s address, in Long Lane, Uxbridge.
The pupil whose balloon is found furthest away will win a prize.
Last year’s furthesttravelled balloon made it to the Netherlands, while in previous years balloons have been found as far away as France, Germany, Belgium and Denmark.
Headteacher Catherine Moss thanked members of the Friends PTA committee, who volunteered behind the scenes throughout the morning, filling the biodegradable balloons with helium and tying ribbons on each one.
She said: “A big thank you to our children, everyone who donated and managed to come along, and all our hard-working helpers on the day.”
She added: “A few stray balloons ended up in a nearby tree and had to be rescued and sent on their way. The children are waiting to hear how far the furthest balloon travelled.”
Every child donated £1 for their balloon.
The money will go towards extra educational and fun opportunities at the school.