WEST Craven enjoyed the unusual and thrilling sight of several hot air balloons in flight during the bank holiday weekend.

The Easter meet and training weekend jointly organised by the North West Balloon and Airship Club and the Pennine Region Balloon Association was attended by 17 pilots and their balloons.

Based at Thornton Hall Country Park, Thornton-in-Craven, the weekend included lessons in theory, practice flights and examinations for trainee pilots.

John Hartley, of the North West Balloon and Airship Club, said the Easter meet had been going for several years. It originally took place in Barnoldswick, with balloons setting off from Victory Park, before moving to Thornton-in-Craven about eight years ago.

This year’s event was blessed with perfect weather, unlike previous years which have included snow, said Mr Hartley. There were 17 balloons and 12 trainee pilots taking part over the weekend.