THE well-known and said to be the most traditional fete in Herefordshire, the 61st Huntington fete took place on July 18.

Amongst the many popular attractions that were offered, visitors were invited to buy a labelled helium balloon. About 100 were bought and set off, flying in a north west direction.

Within a day, many responses were received including several from the Cleobury Mortimer area, one of which was found by a dog and brought excitedly to the owners. At least six others landed including in Dudley, Ludlow and Wolverhampton.

A well-known Eardisley resident, Miss Jean Sharples, bought two. She had put on the label, "In memory of John Williams who loved this fete, RIP." To everyone's astonishment, both these balloons were found, one in Oldbury and the other in Aston-cum-Aughton, near Sheffield – a distance of 151 miles from Huntington, near Kington.

When informed of her success, Miss Sharples was incredulous. She said, "I have known John since he was eight years old. He used to drive my father's lorries, delivering steel to Oldbury and Sheffield. John was my soul-mate and I cared for him until he died last year. To think my two balloons dedicated to John have been returned from Oldbury and Sheffield is an amazing co-incidence and means such a lot to me."

The organisers are now wondering if this is a record for a simple helium balloon to travel? Miss Sharples, however, is just delighted.