A CORNISH charity is inviting people to go “up, up and away” as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Cornwall Care is one of the largest care providers in the South West, with sixteen residential homes and a network of community outreach services which include care for the elderly and supporting young adults with their mental health.

First established in 1996, its homes in Cornwall include Chyvarhas in Callington and Pengover in Liskeard.

In keeping with its fundraising theme of Reach for the Moon, the charity is running a virtual balloon race from Land’s End from 1-8 April.

Competitors can go online to create their own personalised balloon – deciding how much helium to fill it with, how thick the rubber should be and its colour, shape and pattern. Each one can also be labelled.

Live weather data combined with advanced mathematical and physics algorithms will decide the balloons’ direction and speed as they virtually fly north, south, east or west.

Prizes for balloons which have “flown” the furthest include a stay at the four star Alverton Hotel, free admission to Eden’s zipwire, and a three course dinner for two cooked for the winners in their own home by The Cornish Chef.

“This promises to be an exciting, interactive event that will make our imaginations take flight and soar,” said Cornwall Care head of fundraising Jan Burns.

“Designing and individualising the balloons is fun and competitors can follow the race online.

“With all the constraints the Covid pandemic has brought, broadening your own or someone else’s horizons in a safe, environmentally friendly way should feel really good. Even better, all money raised goes towards providing our residents with stimulating activities that enhance their mental and physical well-being.”

For more information about the virtual balloon race, visit https://cornwallcare.rentaballoonrace.com/