A CHARITY balloon release has been cancelled following concerns raised by environmentalists.

Warrington and Halton Hospitals' Charity had planned the balloon launch to celebrate World Prematurity Day on Friday, November 17.

Biodegradable purple balloons for the release had been sold at £2.50 each to raise funds for the charity's ongoing neonatal appeal.

But dozens of environmentalists contacted the charity on Twitter to express worries over the launch's potential impact on wildlife.

Animals often mistake balloons as food and eat them - which can be fatal - and can also become entangled in their strings.

Ruth Fraser Tweeted: "Please reconsider - balloon releases are awful for wildlife.

"There are so many other ways to fundraise which don't cause home to animals."

Ceris Jones added: "Please don't release the balloons.

"Even if they are biodegradable they are an environmental menace and can kill."

The charity has now decided to cancel the balloon launch following the protests, and is now seeking an alternative way of marking World Prematurity Day.

A spokesman for Warrington and Halton Hospitals' Charity said: "The planned balloon release to celebrate World Prematurity Day on November 17, organised by WHH Charity, has been cancelled following a review of the environmental impact of this fundraiser.

"Although the charity has partnered with Cheshire Balloons to guarantee the use of biodegradable, hand-tied balloons without attachments, we really appreciate our supporters' concerns and feedback that there are more environmentally-friendly ways to recognise this special day.

"We would love to hear from our supporters with their ideas.

"Our most popular vote so far is to plant a memory tree at the hospital, so please do let us have your suggestions and we'll go with the best one.

"WHH Charity thanks everyone for their concern and continued support."

Campaigners have welcomed Warrington and Halton Hospitals' Charity's decision to cancel the launch.

Ruth O'Shea Tweeted: "Well done on your decision to cancel the balloon release - thank you for listening."