Balloonist's appeal after theft

The festival was held at the racecourse

A £1,500 piece of equipment has been stolen from a world hot air ballooning champion.

The theft, at Cheltenham's first Balloon Festival over the Bank Holiday weekend, means David Bareford may be in doubt for forthcoming championships.

He is appealing for whoever broke into his van to return the rare computerised windspeed reader.

Used with a miniature helium balloon, it calculates the windspeed and direction at a variety of heights.

The equipment can only be bought in the US and is vital for future events, says Mr Bareford.

The festival was part of the UK Grand Prix series and featured entertainment, mass ascents and a "musical glow night", where burners are fired in time to music.