IT was up, up and away for more than 1,000 balloons released by pupils at St Andrew's Primary School in Ramsbottom.

The children, their parents, staff and members of the community bought 1,135 balloons to see whose would travel the furthest, raising £624.25 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Cook supervisor Shirley Shaw (58) organised the event as part of her fundraising appeal for the charity, which will culminate next May in a trek along the famous Inca Trail in the mountains of Peru.

She said: "The children really liked seeing all the balloons going up into the sky and they enjoyed letting them go.

"I'm absolutely delighted that we raised so much money. I now have £2,390.68 so I'm well on the way to raising my target of £3,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care."

Shirley, of Whalley Road, Shuttleworth, has a lot on her hands over the next few months, as she balances her job at the school in Bolton Street with organising fundraising events and training for the ten-day trek.

Tickets are on sale for a special performance by the Manchester Police Band at 7pm this Saturday at Ramsbottom Civic Hall. They cost £6 each or £5.50 concessions and are available from Bury's tourist information centre on 253 5111.