MALMESBURY'S skies were full of balloons on Friday October 6 when school children and workers at the Dyson vacuum cleaner factory took part in a fun day to raise funds for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

James Dyson, 56, millionaire inventor of the Dyson bagless vacuum cleaner, is aiming to raise £1 million for the charity this year after his own brush with meningitis 11 years ago.

He said: "I had viral meningitis when I was 45, and I was very, very ill. Nobody recognised the symptoms until my wife insisted that I had tests. The symptoms are often difficult to diagnose, so we want to help raise awareness of the disease and its symptoms."

"Meningitis and septicaemia are terrible diseases that can kill anyone in hours. Dyson wants to help the Meningitis Research Foundation in its fight to prevent death and disability from these diseases," he said.

Mr Dyson delighted staff at his Tetbury Hill headquarters by releasing more than 1,000 helium balloons at the factory's main entrance to support the cause.

The balloons were bought for £1 each by Dyson workers, school children and Malmesbury residents. The person whose balloon travels the furthest from the Dyson factory will receive a prize. Balloons were also released by pupils at Lea and Garsdon Primary School.

To raise more money, Dyson workers paid for the privilege of nominating Dyson general operations manager, Jed Kendrick, and after sales head, Shane Aspinshaw, for a sponsored leg wax.

Dyson spokesman, Harriet Rodgers said: "They both said afterwards it was an experience they would not care to repeat."

And at a charity football match held at Malmesbury's Flying Monk Football Ground on Sunday, a team of Dyson players thrashed members of Malmesbury's Victoria Football Club by five goals to one.

Malmesbury Vics chairman, Brian Slade said: "It was a good game, played with a good spirit. But we certainly want a return match next year to get our own back."

Ms Rodgers said more than 100 people had also attended Dyson Quiz Nights at about 20 different pubs.

She said: "The support for the fun day was absolutely brilliant and we want to say a big thank you to everyone who took part."

She said Dyson would continue to raise awareness of meningitis at retail stores across the UK between October 21 and November 4. Proceeds from the sales of 40,000 limited edition purple and magenta Dyson vacuum cleaners would also be donated to the Meningitis Research Foundation, she said.