A NATIONAL balloon release is to benefit a disabled riding centre.

The Unicorn Centre in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, will receive proceeds from the Round Table appeal.

Members from across the UK are raising funds by selling 60,000 balloons, to be released at three locations.

The proceeds will go to 12 children's charities as part of a fundraising drive in the Round Table's 75th anniversary year.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 21, and the balloons will be released simultaneously from sites in Manchester, East Grinstead and Glasgow.

Prizes for the owners of the balloons that travel the furthest include two first class tickets to US cities (worth £4,000), two weekend breaks for two, Marks and Spencer vouchers and cash prizes.

The Unicorn Centre has been selling balloon tickets at £2 each.