AN adventurous couple have been seriously injured in a hot air balloon accident while on holiday in China.

David and Hazel Yeadon suffered broken bones and have been unable to travel home to Boldron, near Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Mr Yeadon, 59, a retired sales manager, suffered injuries to an elbow, hip and ribs. His wife, 54, was more seriously hurt, with a severe spinal injury.

The accident happened almost three weeks ago as the balloon, carrying them and three other passengers, was blown into a cliff.

They were treated in the Guilin mountain area before they were flown to a hospital in Hong Kong.

Their son, Andrew, said last night: "It was a dreadful accident and they are both lucky to be alive."

It is hoped the couple, who have another son and a daughter, will be able to fly to Britain this weekend. Mrs Yeadon will have to lie down all the way and is expected to be detained in hospital in England.

Andrew said the balloon was caught by a sudden blast of wind. It burst when it hit the cliff and the passenger basket fell 300ft before the pilot managed to sling an anchor on to a ledge to stop it.

The passengers climbed on to the ledge and waited four hours before they were discovered by a group of climbers, who raised the alarm and helped in their rescue.

Mrs Yeadon, who does a lot of voluntary work at Witham Hall, in Barnard Castle, was said to be her cheerful despite her injuries. Andrew said: "They are both coping well."

The couple's bills will be covered by their holiday insurance.