STAFF and pupils at Ellesmere Port Catholic High released more than 1,000 balloons to mark the school’s new Human- ities College status in spectacular fashion.

Each balloon con- tained a message from the students.

The launch was led by head girl Jenny Lilley and head boy James Hulse with the school’s youngest pupil Billie Arnold.

The school has already had balloons returned with the furthest so far coming from 180 miles away in Dorset.