AROUND 700 balloons will light up the skies tomorrow (Saturday, May 30) as the Wagon and Horses pub in Birtle launch their appeal for Romania.

Earlier this year the landlord of the pub, Mr Billy Caldwell and regular Mr Mark Taala were touched by the plight of the Romania orphans which was highlighted on television.

Since then they have been campaigning to raise enough money to take out a lorry load of necessities to the country.

Tomorrow they will launch their balloon race at the pub on Bury and Rochdale Old Road.

Mr Taala said: "All the prizes have been donated by local businesses and national organisations and we have been well supported by the regulars."

Some £2,000 is needed to fund the trip.

"It looks like we will raise more than that given the support we have had," added Mr Taala.

The balloons will be released at 3pm, but anyone wanting to join in the balloon race can buy one right up to when they are launched. Also on the day there will be a barbecue, tombola and karaoke, with all proceeds going to the appeal fund.

The balloon which travels the furthest wins a family ticket to Granada Studios.

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