HARTFORD Young NSPCC is holding an eco virtual balloon race to raise money.

The virtual balloons are on sale until December 13 and the race takes place over seven days from 12pm on December 15 to 12pm on December 22.

A spokesperson said: "The cost is £4 for each balloon you purchase, which will pay for answering a call to Childline from a child who needs help and support this Christmas.

"You can personalise your balloon, give it a name and track its virtual progress from start to finish.

"First prize is a £50 high street voucher, kindly donated by Hartford Wealth Management and other prizes such as chocolate goodies.

"Last year was difficult for us all and we've seen our lives and the lives of our children change in ways we couldn't have imagined.

"Between April 2020 and March 2021, Childline delivered more than 200,000 counselling sessions at Childline bases.

"These sessions covered a wide range of topics including loneliness, fears of rising infection rates, and worries about going back to school, to name but a few.

"Now, as we are slowly returning to ‘normal,’ we know the impact of the pandemic isn't over.

"With your help, we can keep fighting for every childhood.

"We want to answer every call and reach every child who needs help whilst adapting to whatever challenges this year throws at us.

"We are constantly inspired by the courage and resilience of children and young people so let’s make sure they have somewhere to turn for support and help this Christmas."

Visit balloonrace.com/NSPCC4children.