The Friends of Penrhys Primary School have been amazed at the response from parents and supporters at their annual Balloon Race.

Held at the school on a hot sunny day, a staggering 1,944 pounds and 39 pence was raised to support the work of the school. Abigail Hedditch a pupil at the school (age 7) sold an incredible 138 balloons, at  1.00each.

Organiser Julie Alford commented "that we have been overwhelmed with support from parents, friends, teachers and sponsors such as R& M Williams who provided the helium, Wedding World Wales, Penrhys Partnership, Too Good to Waste and Balloon Artistry Merthyr, who provided the balloons. Raffle prizes have been donated by Techniquest, Peacocks, Wayne's World Carpets, Carpets 4U and many parents, who baked cakes."

She also urges people to keep their eyes open as every balloon that was sold has a tag and the person finding the balloon that travels the furthest distance will get a prize, so if you are out and about over the next few weeks and find a tag, contact Penrhys Primary School.

Head teacher Chris Fisher commented that "the funds raised by this event will go towards much needed equipment at the school, which will give our children more opportunities for learning and fun, once again we are delighted that we have the support of so many".

***UPDATE***

The school is delighted to report that the balloon which travelled the furthest was a staggering 1291 miles away in Lungsund in Sweden.

As a result the school have been exploring Sweden in class, finding about its history, where in Europe it is, that Abba was a famous music band, and don’t forget changing the reward money from pounds and pence into Swedish Krona.

The balloon was sent by Keenan Moulding of Penrhys Primary School and he painted a Swedish flag as part of the project.

Organiser Julie Alford commented 'We were amazed when the tag arrived at the school, and we all rushed to find out how many miles it had travelled. We are writing and sending the prize to the winner in Sweden and hopefully we will stay in touch and learn more about the country