HUNDREDS of balloons were released into the sky by children from a Middlesbrough school to mark National Refugee Week.

Pupils from Newport Primary School met Middlesbrough Speaker Councillor Ken Hall at the Bottle of Notes sculpture to release the colourful balloons.

Each one carried a message, written by local youngsters, church-goers and residents' groups, about the problems faced by refugees and asylum seekers.

The event marked the start of a series of activities for refugee week, including a coach trip to Robin Hoods Bay, near Scarborough, North Yorkshire, on Thursday and a sponsored walk and lunch at Sandsend on Sunday.

Anyone interested in taking part in the walk is asked to call Middlesbrough Asylum Seeker Unit on (01642) 262775