A TOUCHING tribute to a Darlington teacher floated across the skies to Devon recently.

Last week saw more than a thousand colourful balloons rise over Darlington, released in honour of inspirational teacher Michael McMonigle, known as Mr Mac.

Days later, a couple in Devon contacted Hurworth School, where Mr Mac was a teacher, to say they had found one of the balloons.

Reaching out to a community united in grief Ann and John Goodman emailed Mr Mac’s former school with their condolences.

Their message – since shared across social media – said the pair had discovered the balloon in their East Devon garden, a card still tied to it.

The card said: “Remembering you with love. The Johnson Family. RIP Mr Mac – devoted teacher, Hurworth Comprehensive School, Co.Durham – with love.”

Apparently moved by their find, Mr and Mrs Goodman issued their own tribute to Mr Mac, who died earlier this month.

The couple said: “Very sad to hear of the great loss of such an amazing teacher.”