HUNDREDS of balloons filled the sky above Abingdon as a play centre did its bit to raise cash for an Oxford children’s hospice.

Customers of Snakes and Ladders in Audlett Drive paid at least £1 for every balloon released and the money will go to Helen and Douglas House.

About 200 balloons were released at 2pm on Saturday by the centre’s mascot Pete the Panda to mark Children’s Hospice Week.

Manager Nicky Beauchamp said: “It is a really spectacular thing to watch. Especially with the children coming out of the centre to come and watch.

“I was really quite surprised at how many balloons there were – especially in this climate. Our customers dug deep into their pockets.”

She said the hospice was the company’s chosen charity.

She added: “Being a children’s play centre we have loads of able children come through the door. So it is nice to help unable children.”