Balloon flight dream comes true

Llangollen's balloon festival is in its seventh year

A 56-year-old wheelchair user with multiple sclerosis took to the skies above Llangollen in a hot air balloon on Saturday.

Anne Liddington, who lives in Wrexham, believed her condition would leave her unable to take a trip in a hot air balloon.

However, after winning a raffle organised by the multiple sclerosis society her dream was fulfilled.

Along with her husband, Mrs Liddington went up in the balloon on Saturday evening as part of the Llangollen Balloon Festival.

"I am flabbergasted. It is something I have always wanted to do," she said before the flight.

"I am just thrilled that I will finally have the opportunity."

The annual event, in its seventh year, ran from Friday until Sunday.

Balloons will take to the skies over the festival

Balloons of all shapes and sizes filled the skies throughout the three day event.

However, the Gowrings mobility balloon was the only one in the festival capable of taking a wheelchair user.

"We all have a responsibility to ensure that disabled people are fully included in our society and that includes providing them with the same opportunities we all have open to us," said Linda Ling from Gowrings mobility.

"Many of our members have only dreamed of such a flight, now it is possible," said Steve Neal from the MS society.

Pilot Mike Horn said that Mrs Liddington enjoyed the experience of flying in a hot air balloon.

"We took off just after seven o'clock in the evening and flew for about 55 minutes," he said.

"Mrs Liddington thoroughly enjoyed the experience," he added.