A YORK school is celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a mass balloon release.

The Minster School’s inaugural great balloon race, sponsored by William Anelay, will be held on Saturday at 1pm.

A total of 1,375 helium-filled balloons – one for each year since the school was founded in 637AD – will be released at a fete on the school lawn in Deangate.

Each balloon carries a numbered ticket with return instructions.

The owner of the balloon that travels the furthest will win first prize – an Apple iPad – and the finder will receive a cash prize. Tickets are £1 from the school office or at the fete on the day.