FEISTY folk from across the region did their best to remain cheerful as rain and chilly temperatures threatened to deflate this year's balloon festival.

Hundreds of people visited Burnley's Towneley Park over the weekend hoping to get a glimpse of hot air balloons towering into the air.

But wind blowing off the moors prevented any of the 18 balloons varying in age, shape and colour, taking flight.

However, the balloon baskets were put to use during the Saturday evening show when they were used like Chinese lanterns for the acclaimed nightglow show. A dramatic firework display also went off without a hitch.

And while it might not have been up, up and away for the balloon pilots, there was plenty to keep visitors entertained with displays, stalls, wingwalkers and fairground rides.

Phil Hossack, ballooning co-ordinator, who has himself ballooned all around the world, said: "Balloons are very friendly things and children love to watch them with their bright colours and huge shapes. There is a real magic even to see them be inflated so all was not lost."

Karin Wilson, event director, said: "Yesterday was especially miserable with the weather but there were still plenty of things to do and see. Overall there have been lots of very happy and proud people involved from East Lancashire."

Visitor John Mason, of Bonfire Hill Road, Rossendale, said: "We were away last year so we kept an eye out especially this year. It is great to host an event like this and the youngsters have plenty to enjoy."

The outing was a first for the Curzon family of The Mount, Todmorden, too. Ella, six, said: "There's loads to watch. It has been really good."

But visitors from further afield were disappointed. Gary Jones, from Manchester, said: "We saw it advertised on the back of a bus but it is too cold to stay and it's a shame we didn't get to see the balloons."

Visitor Julia Ribbons, 38, from Chester, said: "I saw it on the internet but am a bit let down by the number of people here."