A BALLOON released accidently by youngsters at Stokesley Show to publicise Yarm School's open morning has been picked up in the Netherlands.

The school handed out the balloons at the recent show to young children and some escaped.

Days later the private school received a package containing a stray balloon from a professional balloon decorator based in Germany who had been holidaying on the island of Texel in the Netherlands. Headmaster David Dunn said: “The students are now busily writing letters of thanks to the German balloon maker to whom they have extended a warm Yarm welcome to come to our open day.”

FILM FESTIVAL: The seventh annual Saltburn Film Festival will take place from Thursday, October 24 to Sunday, October 27. Director Tony Britten will introduce two of his own films and take part in question and answer sessions as part of the festival. Entertainer Anita Harris will also talk about her film career. Find out more at www.saltburnarts.co.uk or call 01287-624997.

BEDROOM TAX: Households in Hartlepool hit by the Government’s so-called “bedroom tax” are being urged to ensure they don’t miss out on financial help from Hartlepool Borough Council. The authority has agreed to use £346,000 from an anticipated under-spend in its Local Welfare Support Scheme (LWSS) to give up to 16 weeks of assistance to households that have had their housing benefit cut. However, households will only receive help if they make a claim. The council can be called on 01429-266522.