A CHARITY appeal was launched with the release of 300 balloons from the Gateshead Millennium Bridge yesterday.

Several charities, with the help of the Stanley Lions Club Trust Fund, have joined forces to create the North-East Community Golden Jubilee Charity Appeal.

Army Cadets, Sea Cadets and Air Training Corps Cadets released the balloons, to music from the Corps of Drums of Northumbria Army Cadet Force.

The youngsters were accompanied by Jiggy, the mascot of St Oswald's Hospice Jigsaw Appeal.

The person who bought the ticket on the balloon that travels the furthest will get a £100 prize.

Cash raised over the next 12 months will be divided equally among several charities.

They include the Alzheimers Society, the North-East Cadet Forces Trust Fund, the Children's Foundation (The Yellow Brick Road Appeal), Head North, Make a Wish Foundation, the North of England Children's Cancer Research Fund and St Oswald's Hospice