A FRIENDS group is hoping that the sky is the limit for its fundraising bid.

The Friends of St Benet's organised a balloon launch, pictured above, to raise money for St Benet's RC School, Ouston, Chester-le-Street.

Last year, the organisation raised more than £3,000 for school facilities, and is hoping to improve on that this year.

In its latest effort, pupils sold 1,155 balloons for £1 each, which were released with race tags attached to them. It is hoped that several tags will be returned, enabling the children to plot the balloons' progress. Already, some have been received from the Ukraine.

Joanne Downing, secretary of the Friends, said: "There will be a cash prize for the person who bought the balloon that travels the furthest before the closing date of June 28. The winner will be announced the next day at the summer fair."