A fleet of hot air balloons crossed the English Channel to France today after launching from a racing circuit near Dover.

A total of 51 took off between 7am and 7.30am and reached Calais within a couple of hours.

Reports from France have said they all arrived safely.

One of the Lindstrand balloons making the crossing carried a panoramic basket, specifically designed for wheelchair access.

It is a significant development in allowing those with limited mobility to enjoy ballooning.

Flying in the balloon, with pilot Steve Kinsey, was wheelchair user Andrew Jeffrey.

Andrew has flown in balloons several times since his accident in 1979.

While working off-shore oil drilling in Angola, West Africa, he fell 40ft and snapped his back at waist level.

Also taking part was a 61-foot dragon-shaped balloon, the only one in the UK with a glass-bottomed basket.

It was believed to be the first time a bid had been made for an official world record.

Event organiser, Ian Sharpe, said: "We have got balloons from all over the country and some from abroad taking part.

"We had been been on standby for many months but the weather forecast was just what we need to get us across today."