A balloon released by a five-year-old boy in Plumstead has been found more than 300 miles away in the Netherlands.

The shiny, silver, inflatable number five let loose by little Archie Brookman has been found across the water in Oudewater.

Marijke Vinkenburg, whose friend found the balloon, posted a picture of it on Facebook yesterday, which has been shared more than 800 times.

Archie, who turned five on July 14, released the balloon on Monday with his mum 28-year-old Nichola Doyle.

Ms Doyle, of Strandfield Close, told News Shopper: “I was in complete shock that someone even managed to find it and take the time to post it on Facebook.

“It was really windy. I didn’t think it would make it past Bostall Woods.

News Shopper:

The balloon found in Oudewater, the Netherlands (Photo: Marijke Vinkenburg)

“It wasn’t even totally blown up as it was a few weeks old.

 “We have sent balloons up before and it was the only way he would let me get rid of it."

Ms Doyle and Archie wrote a message to accompany the balloon, which read: “Released in Plumstead, London.

“How far did it go? Post on Facebook. Share! Share! Share! Archie, age 5.”

News Shopper:

Archie's message arrived intact in the Netherlands (Photo: Marijke Vinkenburg)

Marijke Vinkenburg said: "A friend of mine found the balloon only he doesn't know a thing about Facebook but we were curious to see where it came from and that's why we posted it online.

"I posted it on Art Plumstead. After that post, it didn't take long to find Archie at all." 

Ms Doyle added: “I don’t think Archie totally understands.

"He knows a lady posted it on Facebook but I don’t think he understands how many people have seen it and shared it.”