Motorbiker balloon was a real challenge

A Shropshire firm has revealed that a huge motorbike-shaped balloon which caused amazement when it was released into the skies is one of the largest it has made.

Several Shropshire Star readers took pictures of the balloon when it was being tested at Oswestry School playing fields last week.

Oswestry's Lindstrand Hot Air Balloons today said the flight was the first of the world's first flying superbike.

Commissioned by superbike firm George White Ltd, the huge aircraft is 37 metres high and 46 metres wide – making it one of the largest ever made. It will fly at British Superbike events around the UK.

Simon Forse, managing director of Lindstrand Hot Air Balloons, said: "We were very excited when the team at George White approached us to create the Superbike balloon.

"We love a challenge, and the engineering, design and construction of the balloon has been one of our most interesting projects yet."

George White is using it to promote its support and involvement in the British Superbike Championships.

Lindstrand experts worked with the BBC's Top Gear programme to create a "flying caravan" airship, and also designed and built the "Churchill dog" balloon, a house-shaped balloon for Stroud & Swindon building society, and a flying Babybel cheese.