VIRTUAL balloons soared through the skies last month as Naomi House and Jacksplace launched their first ever virtual balloon race.

While raising money to provide care and services for children, the race celebrated the charity's 21st birthday while pushing for a more environmentally friendly form of fundraising.

Identical to a traditional balloon race, more than 100 balloons were 'released' on Saturday, September 8, and from then on their reactions and movement were dependent on real weather and obstacles, tracked by an advanced computer modelling program.

The race that came to an end at 3pm the following Saturday was won by Daniel Blake, who won the prize money of £1,000 and is "over the moon".

Daniel, owner of DAB Appliances, Dorset added: "I’m a newlywed and have just celebrated my first wedding anniversary with my wife, and we plan to use the money towards a deposit on our first house. Thanks to Naomi House and the team for making this possible.”

Purchasing just one balloon will be used to fund one hour of nursing care at the hospice.

Paul Morgan, director of fundraising and communication at Naomi House and Jacksplace said: “We’re delighted with the success of our very first balloon race and would like to thank everyone involved – a huge congratulations to Daniel for winning the race."

Gemma Lacey, director for sustainability & communications for the Southern Co-op, provider of the prize money, added: "This is the first time we have been involved in a virtual balloon race and we hope it’s not the last.

"One of our commitments is to work towards ‘greener' neighbourhoods and to protect our local environment for the future – so this was a perfect fit."