A HUGE 60ft kite in the shape of a puffin could be taking to the skies this weekend as part of a balloon festival.

As part of the Balloons InDurham event, taking place for the second time this weekend, husband and wife team Doug and Linda Richardson will be trying the enormous kite for the first time since it was made in 2009.

The kite is so big it requires near perfect flying conditions to get off the ground.

The couple, have been involved in extreme kite flying for 25 years, made the kite after being challenged to create one in 1995 for an international festival.

Mr Richardson said “We can’t guarantee the puffin will fly, but just trying to get this huge kite off the ground will be a spectacle, and we hope the crowds will support me, Linda and our team in trying to achieve this UK-first.

“We haven’t attempted it at other festivals in the UK before as I didn’t want to end up with egg on my face – fingers crossed that’s about to change this weekend. I was thrilled when Durham BID asked us to make the attempt at Balloons InDurham, as we know however it turns out, the North-East folk will be behind us and we’ll all have good fun in the process.”

The attempt takes place between 12pm-6.30pm on Saturday, at East Durham College Houghall Campus.

Kite flying has been added to this year’s programme to ensure events go ahead whatever the weather. At last year’s event balloons were grounded for part of the weekend because it was too windy.

Organiser Adam Deathe, from Durham’s Business Improvement District (Bid) said: “When the conditions aren’t right for hot air balloons, they’re almost always favourable for kites.

“So, if it is a windy weekend and some of the hot air balloons can’t take off for safety reasons, it’s perfect for Doug, Linda and their team to be wowing the crowds with their kite flying demonstrations and of course, this UK first attempt.”

Events will be taking place at Palace Green, in the city centre, and at Houghall College, on the A181, between Durham and Shincliffe.

Highlights include a balloon glow at Houghall at 9.30pm on Saturday, early morning and evening balloon launches between Friday evening and Monday morning and kite flying on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Anyone attending is advised to check the Bid’s social media channels to see whether events are going ahead.