IT might seem like child’s play, but one Abingdon woman has become world champion for her balloon sculptures.

Christine Belcher, or Twistina, took first prize at the Millennium Jam competition in Belgium, with her model of a meerkat.

She beat competitors from across the world in the 10-year-old event to win a coveted trophy and 5,000 balloons.

Mrs Belcher, 48, said: “It felt absolutely fantastic to win. I was particularly pleased because there were a lot of celebrities from the balloon world there, so to beat them felt like I’d really achieved something.”

Mrs Belcher previously ran a cake-decorating shop in Abingdon.

She started making balloon sculptures seven years ago as part of her entertainment business with husband Michael. The couple entertain adults and children around Oxfordshire with puppet shows, music and magic.

The trophy has now taken pride of place at home and she will start creating ideas for the competition next year.

She said: “It’s a great event every year, with more than 400 people getting together to share different designs.”