HOT air balloon pilot Richard Parry has risen to the challenge and secured first place in the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta’s long distance race for the fifth time.
Richard, who lives in St Mary’s near Chalford competed against 100 other balloon teams for the coveted Bristol Evening Post long distance trophy on Friday, August 9.
The prize is awarded to the pilot who travels the furthest on the gas carried in the balloon from take-off.
"I managed to fly 84km and landed in Upton just past Hungerford in West Berkshire," said Richard who became interested in flying hot air balloons after a trip to Hong Kong 25 years ago.
"It was a very scenic flight with some low clouds over Bath and then a lovely flight along the Vale of Pewsey, following the Kennet and Avon canal."
Chelsea Financial Services currently sponsor Richard’s hot air balloon however he is now looking for a local sponsor to take over.
Last year Richard represented the UK in the World Hot Air Balloon Championship world championships and came 16th out of 103, and next week he is off to France to compete in the British National Hot air Balloon Championship.
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