NATIONAL hot air balloon flights consortium, Balloons Over Britain, has appointed Blue Sky Balloons as a regional operator.

The Knaresborough, North Yorkshire-based business will provide balloon flights for people in the Yorkshire and Cleveland areas as part of a national network.

Balloons Over Britain provide a national flight service to anyone wanting to buy gift vouchers for flights anywhere in Britain, by accessing its network of appointed balloon operators.

The booking service means that vouchers for a flight with Blue Sky Balloons can be bought anywhere in the country through the UK wide booking service.

John Stable, partner and chief pilot of Blue Sky Balloons, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for us to widen our horizons and gain national exposure for our business which is based in North Yorkshire.

"It also gives our customers the opportunity to book balloon flights with our company from anywhere in the UK."

Balloons Over Britain marketing director Kim Hull, added: "We are delighted to have Blue Sky Balloons representing Balloons Over Britain.

"John Stables has a wealth of professional experience gained in the UK and Europe, and has flown as far afield as Chile."

Established in 1989, Blue Sky Balloons operates from a five acre site at Arkendale, near Knaresborough.

To help promote the celebrations of the Queens Golden Jubilee, Blue Sky Balloons has recently taken delivery of a red, white and blue balloon, which should become a regular sight in the skies of North Yorkshire this year.

For more information about flights with Blue Sky Balloons, contact (01423) 340 140 or visit the website at www.yorkshireflightcentre.co.uk.