Ref. 28511-42BALLOONS dotted the skyline when a Swindon hotel set them free for a fundraising event to benefit a local school

Proceeds will go to the Hilton Community Foundation which donates to 15 charities including Brimble Hill, a school for children with special needs.

Children and staff from the school helped to release around 400 blue and white balloons the colours of the Hilton.

The balloon that flies the furthest will win its ticket holder a flight in a hot air balloon. The closing date for handing in the balloons is February 20.

Each balloon has a tag written in three different languages English, French and German in case any of the balloons reach foreign shores.

Tim Bowler, the hotel's general manager, said staff had raised £2,900, £500 of which will be donated to Brimble Hill School.

"It was an excellent day. It was quite windy and cold but the balloons went quite high.

"The children really entered into the spirit as well."