Round-the-globe ballon flight abandoned

The American millionaire, Steve Fossett, who's been trying to fly solo around the world in a hot-air balloon, has ended his attempt and is preparing to land has landedin southern Russia.

Reports said Mr Fossett was suffering extreme cold because of problems with his cabin heater.

The balloon was due to land near Krasnodar, close to the Black Sea.

The director of the mission, Alan Blount, said there were no safety problems and they were receiving full cooperation from the Russians.

It's Mr Fossett's third attempt to circle the earth -- his second set a record for the longest ever balloon journey..

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service