Bristol balloon raid on Oxford

The balloon "splashed and dashed" in the Thames

A hot-air balloon boosting Bristol's bid to be European City of Culture 2008 has made a daring raid on a fellow city competitor.

Piloted by Derek Maltby, the balloon flew over Oxford proudly displaying its wares and proclaiming victory in the forthcoming competition.

Mr Maltby told BBC News Online that the flight - boasting the Mayor of Oxford as a passenger and part of Oxford's two-day Balloon Fiesta - was "to let the people know we were there."

He said: "We flew low over the city, and splashed down beside some scholars.

"It was all a bit of fun really, and was taken in good spirit.

"We have some fantastic photos, right over the heart of the city," he added.

Oxford flew no balloon in support of its bid: but the Bristol balloon - named Bridgit - will be flying all weekend.

Six UK cities - Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool, Newcastle/Gateshead and Oxford - are all battling for the title, of which the last UK winner was Glasgow in 1990.