MORE than 500 balloons in college colours were released by Durham's Mayor on Tuesday, to mark Durham University's freshers' week.

The helium balloons, in the black and yellow of Van Mildert College, momentarily filled the sky as they were set free by mayor Ray Gibbson.

They all had tags attached, bought by the latest intake of undergraduates at the university. The one picked up from the furthest location will win its sponsor the chance to have a beer named after them at Durham University for a week.

Proceeds are to go to the mayor's chosen charities.

Events were going on all week to help the new students settle into university life.