HOT air record-breaker, David Hempleman-Adams, has revealed how two local good Samaritans rescued him after his Fylde coast crash-landing left him stranded and penniless.

Earlier this week the 46-year-old intrepid explorer became the first person to manage a 14,000 mile solo hot air Atlantic crossing from Canada to the UK after crashing in a field in Stalmine, Over Wyre, on Monday, September 29.

Despite earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, the multi-millionaire -- who has received both an MBE and OBE -- found himself miles from the nearest main road, without cash and no way of getting home to his wife and three kids in Box, Wiltshire.

That is until Phil Gavin, 47, of Preesall, and Dave Brand, 40, of Out Rawcliffe, came to his aid by offering the adventurer food, champagne and a 400-mile round trip lift home.

Mr Hempleman-Adams said: "So much planning went into this trip but we all completely forgot about how I would get home once back in the UK!

"After the landing I realised that I didn't have any cash or a way of getting back to Wiltshire.

"I'd also developed a badly swollen ankle from the restrictive survival suit I was wearing, but both Phil and David were really great.

"David ran back home to get a bottle of champagne, which was greatly received because, at that stage, I hadn't had a drink for weeks due to the training.

"He also bought me some food and snacks because I was hungry and then, despite an offer of a lift to a friends home in Manchester, Phil said he would drive me back home.

"It was so nice of him because Blackpool to Wiltshire is quite a drive and yet he didn't mind at all. I've not really seen much of the Fylde area other than Blackpool itself, but I received such a warm welcome from everybody.

"I think I chose the right place to crash land in!"

Mr Hempleman-Adam's historic journey, which began on Friday, September 26, was constantly hampered by horrendous weather conditions and sonic booms from a passing Concorde jet. Eventually he was forced to land after 2ft long icicles threatened to puncture the balloon which was cruising at an average height of around 14,000 feet. Both software designer, Phil, and scaffolding boss, Dave, say they were happy to help out.

Phil said: "David was so nice and, pardon the pun, down-to-earth! We had a chat and then he fell asleep as I drove. When we arrived at his house he made me a cup of tea and then I went home again.

"Every time I've broken down or been stranded somebody has helped me out. I was just returning the favour."

Dave said: "It's great that something so important has happened here."