The 'Ock 'n' Dough in Farm Road, Wellingborough, sent out vouchers for cut-price food and fun – via balloon!

An event at the pub, which specialises in catering for families and has a popular children's play area, used its mascot Bazz the Badger to release dozens of balloons with vouchers attached to them.

A total of 102 balloons were sent into the air and the vouchers entitle the finders to 20 per cent off any meal at the pub, with some allowing children free use of the playzone.

Free face-painting for children during the afternoon provided a family fun day alongside the balloon launch.

The organiser, barmaid Samantha Cumberpatch, said: "People find the balloons and then they can bring the vouchers in and exchange them for children's play or meals. We are doing it to help out during the credit crunch because many people can't afford to go out with the children, or out for a meal."

Manager Mel Fitzhenry said: "We have changed our menu and dropped the prices of 20 items and we are also doing two meals for £10.

"Meals out are often the first thing that people cut back on so we have reduced the prices to help out."

Mum Paula Haysey, of The Pyghtle, Wellingborough, said: "I took the children along to the launch after school and they had their faces painted.

"It's tough having to make cuts on things like meals out so I think the vouchers are a good idea."