A TODDLER set off a balloon with a note from her Halesowen home and made a birthday wish for a magic unicorn.

Amazingly, it landed in a farmer’s field near Scarborough more than 170 miles away and home to a holiday accommodation venture.

And after more than 1,100 Facebook shares four-year-old Josie Allen was found and is being treated to a free night’s stay at the North Yorkshire beauty spot.

Nana Vivienne Allen had suggested taping a note to the number four-shaped balloon which Josie had played with for a week since her birthday and was eager to let it fly away.

Bromsgrove Advertiser: Josie Allen with parents Brad and Mandy

Mum Mandy Allen wrote: “This balloon was released by a little girl called Josie on 11th September 2016 in Halesowen, West Midlands. She was 4 on 4th September and wanted to let it go and make a wish for her birthday."

With no surname or contact details included, she asked for it to be shared on Facebook if found, to test the power of social media.

Mark Simpson, manager of the family business Grainary Farm Stay and Country Tearooms responded, asking people to “like”, “share” and “comment”.

He said: “It could have landed in the sea or on another farm but we have more than 7,000 followers and it was obviously meant to be.

“It just brightened our weekend and we said we’d like them to come up and stay. She loves animals so will see all the farm animals and we’ll have a little present for her as well.”

Vivienne, aged 62, of Springfield Road, spotted the Facebook appeal on Sunday evening just hours after it was posted and Josie and parents Mandy and Brad, both aged 37, are looking forward to a three night break at the Grainary in Harwood Dale during the October half term – with the first night on the house.

Bromsgrove Advertiser:

                                     Josie and Nana Vivienne Allen

Mandy, a teacher at Howley Grange Primary School, said: “We thought it might be found nearby but didn’t think it would go that far.

“It’s lovely that it landed where it did and we are really looking forward to going there.

“Having worked with children it’s nice to have a bit of magic and to think things can happen if you really want them to.”