COLOURFUL hot air balloons took to the skies over North Yorkshire for a sunny afternoon floating over the countryside.

The event, organised by the Pennine Region Balloon Association, saw seven balloons launch from Thirsk Racecourse at the weekend for a trip over the White Horse at Kilburn in the Hambleton Hills.

George Irving, of the Balloon Association, said the ‘superbly hot and calm’ weather conditions were ideal for a weekend of ballooning, with clear skies and a low wind speed.

The smallest balloon present was capable of taking two people aloft but the largest balloon, of 120,000,000 cubic feet, could take more than four intrepid flyers.

Mr Irving said the club was keen to carry on the hot air balloon tradition which dates back to1783 when Frenchman Pilatre De Rozier first took to the skies in a balloon he devised.

He took three passengers with him on his maiden flight - a sheep, a duck and a rooster.

This was bettered two months later by the Montgolfier brothers’ version which took several human fliers with De Rozier amongst them.

They flew for a total of 25 minutes.

Mr Irving said: “Today, the basket might still be wickerwork but the balloon material is modern rip-stop nylon and gas burners.”