BAFFLED fundraisers are begging for help after their entire balloon race disappeared.

About 140 balloons were released from Lanchester Cricket Club, near Consett, County Durham, on June 1. Entrants bought balloons and the one that was found the furthest away from the release point would have been the winner. But no one has ever reported finding one.

The event was held in aid of the nearby Willowburn Hospice and its fundraising manager, Julia Whitely, said: "They were spotted going over Snod's Edge by one of our volunteers and that is where they were last seen.

"The Lanchester Lions had a balloon race a couple of weeks after ours and they have got them back from Holland and all over the place.

"I have absolutely no idea what has happened to our lot. Maybe the wind was in the wrong direction, or they have all been blown out to sea."

If a balloon is not found soon, the hospice will draw names out of a hat.

"First prize is a helicopter ride around Lanchester," said Mrs Whitely. "So whoever wins that can get up there and have a look for the balloons."