ALMOST 1,000 red balloons were released as Test Valley's Testway Housing launched its new charity, Transform.

Focussing on tackling anti-social behaviour, supporting young carers and providing homes for some of the region's poorest families, the new organisation aims to boost lives and communities in Test Valley.

Testway's chief executive, John Spens, said: "We have ambitious plans for the future and our goal is to make a difference to the lives of people who live in our homes."

The charity was launched at Hampshire Museum of Army Flying with the release of 999 red balloons.