A SEA of balloons floated up into the sky above Barrow for a poignant tribute to celebrate the lives of loved ones who are no longer with us.

The Balloons to Heaven event saw hundreds of people tie heartfelt messages to colourful inflatables and release them into the sky above Holker Old Boys' ground on Sunday afternoon.

Angela Caulfield was yet again the brains behind the operation as she put together the visual spectacular to raise more than £2,000 for four charities close to her heart.

These included the Defibrillator Appeal and North West Air Ambulance, in memory of Joe Took and Joe Andrews respectively, as well as St Mary's Hospice and Down's Syndrome Support Barrow and South Lakes.

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The 46-year-old said: "It's a way for the community to get together and the feedback I get off people is always so positive. It's important to remember loved ones and I know people get a lot out of doing this.

"The singer, Beth Horan, was fantastic and I couldn't have done it without all of the volunteers who really pulled it out of the bag.

"For me, it's great to raise money for the charities and I know that someone from every single household in Barrow will have benefited from the work that they do so It's great to give something back. Barrow has a bad reputation sometimes but events like these show just how friendly the town's community really is."

Each biodegradable balloon was provided by Gas Bagz Balloonz and it cost £5 to buy and add your own personal message in memory of someone who had passed away.

Sharon Whittall, 44, from Barrow, attended with her seven-year-old daughter Lyla and her sister Carol Smith, 56. The trio came to remember Lyla's grandfather, Des Tomlinson, who died aged 90 in May.

As the balloons flew into the sky, the family were overcome with emotion as they embraced each other in what was a poignant moment of reflection.

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SLIDESHOW: Balloons to Heaven 2015

Mrs Whittall said: "This is the first time we have ever done anything like this but it's been wonderful; they have put a lot of effort into it and it was lovely to see the balloons go up into the sky."

As part of the fundraising, Barclays also agreed to match the first £1,000 raised and donate it to the North West Air Ambulance charity.