A BALLOON has flown 800 kilometres to southern Germany to the amazement of a school which released it during a summer fair.

More than 100 balloons were released by the Chingford Church of England Primary School, in Cambridge Road, Chingford, during its Summer of Love Festival on Saturday (July 16).

Balloons were found in Billericay, Brentwood and Rayleigh in Essex but the furthest managed to surf the prevailing wind 800 kilometres, as the crow flies, to Deggenhausertal in southern Germany.

It was discovered a day later on Sunday (July 17) having flown over the English Channel, France, Belgium and Luxembourg before entering Germany.

Emile Challal, 11, found the yellow balloon in his village near the Swiss border and quickly informed the school using the instructions attached.

Writing to the school, Emile said: “Hallo we found a balloon in the south of Germany, near the border to Switzerland.

“This is really very far, I hope you will win.”

The incredible feat of helium was the highlight to an “awesome day” where kids enjoyed go-karts, a bouncy castle and music from The Estrellas.

During the annual summer get-together Ian Hooper, whose niece goes to the school, won the grand raffle draw and went home with £500 courtesy of car dealers Glyn Hopkin, Fiat and Nissan, in Buckhurst Hill.