ENERGY-saving youngsters were left feeling a little deflated when high winds prevented a hot air balloon from getting off the ground.

But their hopes began to rise when the 90,000 cubic feet balloon was partly inflated in their school hall and they were allowed to scramble inside.

Pupils at Brookhouse County Primary School, Blackburn, were given a demonstration of the workings of the Philips Energysaver balloon to help them understand about flight and environmental issues.

Some of the classes have been taking part in the Young Energysaver scheme in their school.

The crew told the children that balloon travel was clean and environmentally friendly. Energy-saving light bulbs were printed on its canvas.

The balloon visited Brookhouse as part of a nationwide tour of primary and secondary schools which are taking part in the Energysaver scheme.

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