Balloons fly high for charity

Hundreds of Blue Islands' balloons were released in Guernsey to raise money for the 'Friends of Sri Lanka' charity to send a bus to the country filled with supplies. Some 270 balloons soared into the sky and the owner of the furthest balloon will win flights with Blue Islands.

The initiative was the idea of organiser and co-founder of the charity, Graham Queripel, who was pleased with the success of the event.

We thought of this as being a bit of a different idea and people seem to have enjoyed it. Hopefully one will get to France or Scotland.

The balloons were attached to information about the release so that anyone who finds a balloon can get in contact and say where they found it.

The bus appeal raised almost £5,000 and an unused vehicle was donated by Intransit. Filled with supplies such as buggies, walking sticks and wheelchairs, the bus should arrive in Sri Lanka sometime this February.