SWEDEN was the landing point of the furthest travelled balloon released from Sittingbourne Community College to mark the official opening of its new teaching block.

It went up, up and away as far as Lagan which is more than 1,000 miles from the college.

Others travelled to Germany and Holland, but it was the Swedish voyage that amazed everybody. It was returned by Tim Hakansson who will get a small cash prize and thank you letters written by college students.

Marc Warner, 14, from Sittingbourne, got a cheque for £100 because he sold the winning ticket. He said: "It's hard to believe a little balloon would travel all the way to Sweden - it's fantastic."

The balloon race was organised by the college's Friends Association whose secretary, Sandra Beal, presented the cheque to Marc.

She said: "The race was one of the best fund-raising events we have held in recent months, making more than £400 for the college. The money will go towards a new Opportunity Fund we have set which is for teachers and students to fund small projects.

"The race certainly caused plenty of interest and it's an event we plan to repeat."

Head teacher Alan Barham thanked the association for the support it gives the college. He said: "They work quietly in the background, supporting a wide range of activities which would not happen without the money they raise, and I'm particularly pleased to see the introduction of the PTA Opportunity Fund."