This was the scene at Lydiard Park as Swindon's first Balloon Festival - sponsored by the Evening Advertiser - came to a dramatic close.

A balloon glow accompanied by classical music thrilled thousands of onlookers on Sunday night.

Organiser Stuart Cassell said: "It really was spectacular and we attracted between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors."

Strong winds over the weekend meant a balloon competition had to be cancelled.

But conditions yesterday morning allowed the British Ballooning Federation event to take to the skies.

Among those taking part in the three day show was the Adver's own striking red, white, blue and yellow balloon.