SHOPPERS have helped raise £250 for Even Swindon Infants School. Pupils released hundreds of balloons from the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Centre in February.

Every balloon that was returned to the centre was worth a £1 donation to the school.

More than 100 balloons were collected and the shopping centre matched the amount collected.

The money will help the school buy benches for the playground.

Franco Muccini, centre manager, said: "We were impressed by the amount of balloons that were returned to the centre.

"By doubling the amount raised we're delighted to contribute towards the school's new playground benches."

Val Willis, deputy headteacher at Even Swindon Infants, said: "The children have been eagerly monitoring the location of the balloons they released and we're really grateful for this generous donation."