ADVENTURER David Hempleman-Adams has had to postpone his world record-breaking high-altitude balloon flight, which was due to take place today.

The 45-year-old explorer, who lives in Box, was hoping to join Don Cameron, managing director of Cameron Balloons, in a world record altitude attempt, but the unpredictable English weather put paid to their plans.

The duo had hoped to fly the Bristol-made 77,000 cubic foot craft to heights of 25,000 ft, but the wind at that altitude was deemed too dangerous.

Their next scheduled attempt is planned for the weekend of August 2. They will use a huge balloon filled with separate helium-filled weather balloons to reach their altitude. A special burner will be used to heat the air underneath the weather balloons allowing them to ascend even further.

For David, who has conquered both the North and South Poles and trekked 600 miles across the frozen Artic Ocean, the short wait will be well worth it.

He said: "I've felt for a long time that expeditions should be fun and that's what this attempt is all about."

The flight will depart from Western Zoyland, an airfield close to the M5 and Bridgwater.