THE winning balloon in a race organised by a Pendle primary school ended up in southern Ireland.

But the winner of the "high-flying" contest organised by St Paul's Primary School, Nelson, proved to be a lot closer to home.

School secretary Edwina Yates was presented with the top prize of a portable colour TV after her balloon ticket was returned after being discovered near Cork.

"It was nice to win the contest," she said, "but I've heard all the jokes and comments about it being a fix ever since."

Many of the 250 helium-filled balloons released from the school on January 15 landed in Wales, including one returned by Lady Langford who found one in the grounds of her estate in North Wales.

Mrs Yates and four other winners received their prizes from head Michael Ingham. The event raised around £250 for school funds.

Edwina is pictured showing her certificate to pupil Laura Hunt

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