About a hundred hot air balloons have successfully crossed the Channel today in the hope of creating a new Guinness World Record.

Recruitment agency, Datum RPO, and Exclusive Ballooning had teamed up for the World Record attempt.

They needed at least 50 balloons to complete the journey across to France to beat the previous record in 2011 which saw 49 balloons take part.

Andrew Holly, operation director of Exclusive Ballooning, said: “I’m always asked about my favourite flights having flown for 20 years all over the world.

"Without doubt, the channel crossing flight in 2011 is my number one and the opportunity to repeat this was just too tempting.

"We’re delighted to be able to share this experience with so many other friends and balloonists and also give the opportunity to those new younger pilots who were not eligible to take part in 2012.”

However, despite their efforts Guinness World Records revealed the event's organisers did not make a "formal application" before making their trip, and will need to submit official evidence before they can be considered.

James Strickland, group director Datum RPO, said: “Having flown balloons all over the world, taking part in cross-channel flight in 2012, I can honestly say there is nothing quite like it, it was truly amazing.

"Crossing one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, in a hot air balloon is a unique and amazing experience, especially in an immersion suit.

"This event brings out the adventurer in me and I’m looking forward to this intrepid experience again."

The balloons took off from Lydden Race Circuit just before 7am, arriving in France about two and a half hours later.

Both Lydden and Channel Gliding Club have been on standby since mid March.

It is understood the race track was their preferred option for launching due to its location but there were some dates they couldn't accommodate them, prompting the gliding club to step in.