Nearly 300 pupils from a Mill Hill infants school joined the Barnet Mayor to celebrate multiculturalism and diversity last Thursday.

Mayor Maureen Braun arrived at Dollis Infant School, in Pursley Road, at 2.30pm to meet the youngsters, aged three to seven, and to set off a balloon race to mark the end of the school's four-day international arts week.

Each biodegradable balloon was tagged with its sender's name and a prize awaits the one whose balloon is recorded as travelling the furthest by June 1.

Chairman of governors John Living said the school decided to host the festival because it is "a happy community of many different cultures".

He added: "International arts week was a celebration of the differences that combine to make Dollis Infant School such a special place.

"The inspiration for the festival was a book called A Balloon for Grandad, by Nigel Grey. We are always looking for ways to bring learning to life for our pupils, and the book's theme of a balloon travelling across the globe inspired children, teachers and parents to come up with so many great ideas that we decided to stage a celebration of creativity from around the world."

During the week, pupils took part in Bollywood and Jamaican dancing, African drumming, the art of Origami, hair braiding, henna tattooing and face painting. They also sold their own artwork after displaying it in a special exhibition viewed by the mayor.

Parents contributed by reading favourite books in their home languages and selling food from their home countries.

On Thursday the children were allowed to ditch their uniforms in favour of national dress from a country of their choice.

Year 2 teacher Reena Merali said: "It was a very colourful day. Children from at least 30 countries and cultures make up the community here.

"All proceeds from fundraising are going towards an adventure trail for our playground, and we are extremely grateful to the businesses who supported us."

Sponsors for the week included A&Y Engravers, Barclays Bank, Chelsea Football Club, Coach Nick, Dizar, Mercedes-Benz, Step in Time, Tips Mobile Phone Shop, Toni and Guy, and Mr and Mrs Living.