CREATIVE youngsters have been keeping the memory of fallen servicemen alive with a moving balloon tribute.

Students from Elms Bank Specialist Arts College in Whitefield were set the task of researching the stories of servicemen whose names are inscribed on local war memorials.

Each form group wrote about what they had learned on a tag, which was fastened onto a red balloon.

All 27 balloons were released during an Armistice Day ceremony at the school last Wednesday (November 11) after pupils and staff observed a two-minute silence.

Each tag also has the school email address on and invites anyone who finds a balloon to get in touch.

"We've already heard from one man, who lives in Healey Dell near Rochdale. He found the information attacked to the balloon really informative and liked the idea of the project," said the school’s drama co-ordinator Helena Hart.

Mrs Hart was one of two members of staff who went with two students on a tour of battlefields in France and Belgium and the experience inspired her to teach children about the sacrifice soldiers made for their country.

She added: "The children liked researching the lives of local people and they really liked the balloon launch too.

"Hopefully, more people will spot the balloons in far-off places and email us."