A solar-powered balloon has made its maiden voyage at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. The balloon, which is black on one side to absorb heat – and silver on the other to reflect it – was one of 103 balloons in Friday’s event.

Event director Clive Bailey said the balloon had used just five litres of fuel for the 25-minute flight. He said normally a flight with a pilot and passenger would use about 60 litres of fuel for the same journey.

"The balloon's controlled by rotating it into and out of the sun but it does have a propane burner for safety," Mr Bailey said. "Although there have been other solar balloons in the past this is the first one that's certified to carry passengers."

It was piloted by veteran balloonist Pete Dalby, who described the flight as "an amazing experience". "I kept my hand on the burner throughout because that's how you normally fly a balloon," Mr Dalby said. "We took off without using the burner - I think I only used it about three times during the flight - one of the times was when another balloon shielded us from the sun and we started going down so I thought we ought to use it."

The Fiesta, held in Ashton Court on the outskirts of the city, runs until Sunday evening - admission is free but there are charges for car parking.

Source: bbc