Balloonist Sets New World Record

Adventurer David Hempleman-Adams has successfully flown across the Atlantic in a tiny hot air balloon.

The 50-year-old from Box in Wiltshire flew over the coast of Brittany, France, in his helium balloon four days after leaving from St.John’s Newfoundland in Canada at 0100 BST on Tuesday.

The completion of the 2,100-mile (3,379km) journey is thought to have set a new world record for the longest distance flight in a helium balloon.

The balloon is no bigger than an average living room.

On his online blog, Hempleman-Adams said: "We've done it! I've just passed the distance I needed to get the world record for the class of balloon I'm flying.

"I can't believe it. We've done it. I'm so pleased, thank you everyone."