HUNDREDS of black balloons have been released in York to mark those who died from drowning around the UK.

The balloon launch marked the end of the Royal Life Saving Society's (RLSS) Don't Drink and Drown campaign, and saw dozens of people gather at York City Rowing Club before the balloons were released from Memorial Gardens.

The balloons, which were provided for the charity release by Karen Buckley from the Little Balloon Company in Copmanthorpe, represent the average of 400 people who drown each year in the UK.

Peter Moyes, president of the RLSS, said: "This campaign is all about raising the awareness to fast flowing water and how deceptive it can be, and the perils of mixing alcohol and water together.

"Five young people have lost their lives in the rivers around York. Tragically, enjoying themselves, enjoying the town, enjoying the facilities, and then ending up in the water and not being able to get out."

Jackie Roberts, whose daughter Megan was 20 when she died in the Ouse after a night out with friends in York two years ago, is an ambassador for the RLSS, and said she was pleased to see so many students had come to see the balloon launch.

She said: "Obviously, that's who we're targeting with the campaign to make them aware of the dangers of drinking and being near the river, staying away from the water.

"The campaign itself this week has been brilliant, I think both universities have just done so much work, and I really do think it's had some effect and they've taken on board what we've been saying."

Aaron Dhanda, coordinator for the RLSS, joined Jackie on patrol with the NightSafe team earlier this week, and oversaw the campaign in York, which saw CPR workshops at both universities, talks from water safety organisations, and social media activities, and said the response had been "absolutely fantastic".