A giant rosary made of balloons was released during a Catholic celebration.

Footage shows the inflatables, shaped like prayer beads tied together with string, being held by devotees gathered in an open field in Leyte, the Philippines.

Worship music played in the background as church members prepared to let the helium-filled creation drift into the sky.

At the end of the chain was a heart-shaped balloon attached to a light paper cross, which gracefully floated upward as the crowd applauded.

Devotee Raquel Torremocha said: '‘Our beloved school, Saint Michael College of Hindang, joyfully celebrated the Holy Rosary Month.

'Together, we gathered in our gymnasium to pray the Holy Rosary, with students holding candles, flowers, and balloons as symbols of faith and devotion.

'We lovingly offered flowers to Our Blessed Mother Mary, filling the place with prayer, light, and unity. As our celebration came to a close, we released a life-sized rosary-shaped balloon into the sky, a beautiful reminder that our prayers rise up to heaven.'

The Philippines became a Catholic country after more than 300 years of Spanish rule starting in 1565. Spanish missionaries introduced Christianity and built churches across the islands. Today, most Filipinos remain devoted Catholics, and the faith continues to shape their culture and traditions.