PLAYERS from Oxford United helped get a charity balloon race off to a flying start in September 1987.
They released dozens of balloons into the sky above Cutteslowe Park to help raise money for the Red Cross.
A total of 2,000 balloons were launched, and the winner could also look forward to a long-distance flight.
Pop tycoon Richard Branson, who had a home in Kidlington, gave a return ticket to New York as first prize, which went to the person whose balloon travelled the furthest.
Red Cross staff and volunteers across the county were busy selling labels for the balloons before the race.
But despite the grey skies and rain which kept visitors away, the fundraising venture still expected to bring in about £2,000.
The money would be used by the county branch to take disabled children and adults on holiday.
As well as the races, there were first aid demonstrations, stalls selling books and jumble, a display of handicrafts and a display of Oxford Ixonian moto-cross bikes.
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