TWO hundred balloons were released by students last week in a bid to raise awareness of the Anti-Bullying Week.

Both staff and students at the Bourne End Academy, in New Road, came together to release the balloons from their playground, with one balloon even travelling about 60 miles to Hertfordshire.

Headteacher Andrea Jacobson said: “I am incredibly proud of the community spirit that we continue to harness at Bourne End Academy. “It was a powerful and emotive moment to see the balloons released and launched into the sky as one.”

The balloon release was organised by student-led group The Vibe, who support students with any pastoral concerns they have.

Written on each balloon was a series of anti-bullying messages and by releasing them into the air, they hope to spread the word about anti-bullying.

Before the event the schools director of behaviour and pastoral care Sam Munday-Webb said: “Bourne End Academy has far fewer bullying incidents compared to the national average and this is a testament to the wonderful caring community that you are all a part of.”

A few days later the school received a message from a woman in Melbourn, Hertfordshire, who said she received one of their balloons and added it was a wonderful way to ‘spread such a positive message’.

The national campaign was over the week commencing November 17, to find out more please visit www.antibullyingweek.org