EIGHTY balloons were released into the sky by pupils at The Springfields Academy in Calne as they celebrated International Literacy Day.

The pupils, who have autism spectrum disorder and associated learning difficulties, released the balloons on Friday afternoon after spending the week participating in activities linked to the day which draws attention to the 774 million people around the world who cannot read.

Principal Jon Hamp said: "Although many of our pupils enter the academy with literacy skills that are below the standards expected for their age, our aim is to ensure that every child is a reader by the time they leave."

Across the week, pupils have participated in quizzes and decorated a bookmark which was attached to each individual balloon with information about the academy and how to get in contact to reveal where the balloon landed and what their favourite book it.

The Academy, who have carefully organised the activity, hope that the book recommendations will encourage the pupils to pick up a book and better their literacy after being inspired by others.

Anyone who finds a balloon should email admin@springfields.wilts.sch.uk with the location of the balloon and their favourite book.