Some 20,000 balloons will soar over Bradford's Odsal Stadium next month as part of the county's biggest ever balloon race.

Nearly 90 schools are taking part in the event to boost funds for the Lord Mayor's Appeal - and prizes will be given to the pupils with the furthest travelling balloon.

War on Cancer appeals executive Jacky Spence said all schools in Bradford had been invited to take part and they had received a massive response.

She said: "We've been working really hard to make this a memorable event and the response from schools has been fantastic.

"As far as we know it's the biggest balloon launch that's been held in West Yorkshire and it's taking a lot of planning."

Ms Spence said the firm which holds the world record for a balloon launch - 1.4 million balloons during a publicity launch of the Disney film Aladdin - would be staging the event.

The helium-filled balloons will be released from Odsal on Friday, May 8, before the Bradford Bulls face St Helens.

Ms Spence said balloons launched from Britain had been known to catch air currents and come down as far away as Eastern Europe.

For £1 pupils get an entry in the race, an enamel War on Cancer badge, 75 pence goes towards the Lord Mayor's Appeal and 25 pence is donated to school funds.

The three balloon entry cards returned from the furthest points will win prizes of £200, £100, and £50 in gift vouchers.

Any child whose school is not taking part but wants to enter can collect an entry form from City Hall, Bradford's Central Library, St George's Hall and the Alhambra.

This year's Lord Mayor's Appeal supports Bradford's War on Cancer and the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit based at Bradford University and Bradford Royal Infirmary.

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