MORE than a thousand visitors flocked to Barnoldswick to see an air show get up, up and away, despite thunder and rain leaving many of the balloons grounded.

The North West and Pennine Balloon associations were hampered by the weather on Saturday with only one hot air balloon taking off from Victory Park.

However, with six balloons flying on Friday and a further seven on Sunday, the weekend was still hailed a success by organisers.

The event, which also featured a lantern procession, stalls and displays, was part of Barnoldswick's two-month festival which aims to put the town on the tourist map.

Many fun days of activities beginning with the letter B have been staged in August and early September so far, including a bike stunt show and bell crying.

Coun David Whipp, one of the organisers, hinted that the balloon festival might become an annual event.

He added: "There's nothing like big, bright, breathtaking balloons to draw a crowd. Barnoldswick is set in spectacular Pennine scenery and it's a perfect spot for a massive festival like this.

"The balloon festival was magic. We had more than a thousand people here and the balloonists are telling us that they had a really good time.

"They have been to this type of event all over the county and they said that we had a really good show and they are keen to come back.

"If we can make it stack up we would love to have it as an annual event, perhaps earlier in August when the weather is better."

He added that they came up with the idea of the balloon festival to symbolise Barnoldswick connections with aviation through the town's Rolls Royce plant.

Money raised from the event will go to fund further events for the two-month festival.