HUNDREDS of balloons were released in a school yard as youngsters celebrated Book Week.

Children from Witton-le-Wear Primary School wrote descriptions of their favourite books and characters and why they liked them onto luggage labels.

The labels were attached to the balloons with the school address and phone number so that people could contact them and let them know how far the balloon had travelled.

Headteacher Mark Stephenson said that the balloon race was a colourful way of encouraging the children to read more and enjoy books.

He said: "We want them to think about the books they are reading and why they enjoyed them. The children have had a lovely time writing about their favourite book and when they saw how bright the balloons were and how quickly they flew into the sky it really captured their imagination."