TWO families from northern
France have won the top prizes in a balloon launch started from a Darlington housing estate.
One hundred balloons were released from Skerne Park childcare centre at the Skerne Park partnership's celebration day in March.
Each balloon had a label attached to post back to the partnership with the ones that went the furthest winning prizes.
The first prize winners were Monsieur and Madame Mller from St Hilaire au Temple, situated mid-way between Reims and Chalons-sur-Marne, in the Champagne region of France.
Second prize went to Monsieur Druart from Obies, which is just south of Valenciennes on the French and Belgian border.
Both winners have been sent a hand-crafted ornament made from North-East coal.
The furthest travelling balloon in Britain was from Lauren Taylor-Balls, of Felixstowe in Suffolk, who won a pair of etched crystal wine glasses.
The celebration day was held to mark the success of the Skerne Park partnership, which has worked with residents and organisations since 1995 to improve the quality of life on the estate.
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