Balloon is flown by Chinese whispers

A pensioner who thought his helium balloon had floated to China was surprised yesterday to discover that pilots took it there as a prank.

Ken Noyes attached his name and address to the balloon and released it from his home on his 80th birthday.

Months later he received a postcard from 6,000 miles away saying that it had reached Hong Kong.

Mr Noyes' excitement, however, was punctured when he learned it had been flown there by pilots as an elaborate prank.



The balloon, released from Mr Noyes'home in Wiltshire, had in fact landed just 48 km (30 miles) away at Gloucestershire airport.

It was picked up there by receptionist Angie Holmes, who passed it on to pilot friend Captain Calfin Roderick.

After an epic voyage that saw the balloon pass between several airline pilots, it arrived in Hong Kong last month.

Mr Noyes' bubble finally burst yesterday when Ms Holmes invited him to the airport and revealed the truth.