A launch of 300 balloons on the 12th September marked the start of LEH's 300th Anniversary celebrations.

In bright sunshine, the Head Mistress, Mrs Gillian Low, assisted by the Head Girl, the Deputy Head Girls and the House Captains, released the balloons which flew off immediately across the school's playing fields, disappearing quickly into the distance.

It is hoped that members of the public will return the balloon labels, and with the launch taking place during severe winds in the wake of Hurricane Katia, the girls are eagerly awaiting to see how far the balloons will travel. The balloons used were all made from a naturally degradable product and filled with helium gas, which ensures that the balloons eventually burst into small pieces, as the gas expands to aid decomposition.

STOP PRESS: The first balloons were found in Frielendorf, Germany (498 miles), Meerbusch, Germany (360 miles) and Nuenen, The Netherlands (298 miles)

Click here to see the 300th Anniversary programme of events.