THERE was much excitement on the Barley Fields estate in Alton on Wednesday morning as a hot air balloon touched down just metres from the estate’s playground.

Residents heard a “whooshing” sound as the Virgin balloon sailed within metres of their homes shortly after 8am on June 13, before landing safely on the field at the front of the estate.

Children pushed aside their cornflakes and rushed out to see what all the commotion was about and were rewarded with the sight of the giant red balloon.

The dozen or so occupants of the basket were in good spirits as the balloon was slowly let down and whisked away in a support vehicle.