A ruby ring bought for a 21st birthday party has disappeared after the helium balloon it was wrapped in blew away into the ether.

Vikki Rutter, from Edenbridge, and her family clubbed together to buy a ring for her cousin Ava Wesson to mark the landmark birthday.

Mrs Rutter, 47, was preparing the present and balloons on Saturday moments before England’s victory over Sweden in the World Cup.

However, as she looked for a weight to counter the helium in the 36-inch balloons she turned her back for a few seconds before returning and noticing the balloon had flown away never to be seen again.

Mrs Rutter, of Greshams Way, said: “It was so hot on Saturday that we had all the doors open and the balloon went out the kitchen’s single door.

“The balloon managed to clear the fence panel and it all happened so quickly. There wasn’t even a breeze.

“I started to knock on neighbours’ doors to ask them to look for a balloon which I was embarrassed about because the England game was on.”

Despite a sighting of the balloon on Saturday afternoon in Ford Manor Road, Dormansland, Mrs Rutter’s cousin is still without her ruby ring which cost her family £120 to buy.

Although she isn’t confident of finding the ring and balloon, Mrs Rutter is keen for members of the public to keep an eye out for both.

She said: “Ava liked the party and we bought her a necklace as well but I think the ring is long gone.”

If you find the balloon contact messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk