THE balloons went up over Tavistock last weekend in what was the biggest event of its kind so far.

Organised by the Lions Club of Tavistock and the Tavistock Round Table, the Westcountry Balloon Fiesta and Day at the Races was a magnet for the crowds. This year, the event's 10th anniversary, entry was free but there was a car parking fee of £5 to draw more people.

Spokesman Steve Grummitt said the scheme had been a great success. As a result it was hoped the event will have raised in excess of £5,000 for local charities.

The event received a grant of £1,000 from the town council. But, because of the event's success, Steve said they were 'delighted' not to be calling in a grant of £2,700 from West Devon Borough Council.

He believed the balloon glow at the National Trust properties of Killerton House on the Thursday evening and at Saltram House on the Friday evening had made more people aware of the main fiesta in Tavistock.

'In the future we hope to spread out further — possibly down into Cornwall,' he said.

The whole event is organised jointly by members of the Round Table and Lions while the ballooning side is in the expert hands of Exeter-based Aerosaurus Balloons — who delighted customers with their spectacular commercial flights.

For Steve his darkest moment was the Friday afternoon thunderstorm over Plymouth which looked set to wash out the Saltram balloon glow and even put a dampener on the whole weekend.

'We could have done all that work and it could have rained for three days. The weather came good for the main evening flights but unfortunately we lost some early morning flights on Sunday due to adverse weather conditions' he said.

However all the evening spectacles went ahead as planned with numerous balloons ascending like brightly coloured baubles.

As well as the kaleidoscopic delights of the balloon glow — which was enhanced this year with a fireworks display at the climax — the Day at the Races offered ground-based entertainment in the shape of pantomime horse racing for the children.

Striding amidst seemingly diminutive members of the public was a trio of Chagford Giants who were fortunately quite friendly.

This — coupled with stalls, a licensed bar, hot jazz from the impressive Tony Harris Jazz Quartet, two gigantic inflatable slides and the heady aroma of the Round Table-run best bacon baps in town — provided something for everyone.

'We had the members of the two clubs plus a lot of extra helpers who assisted and made sure everything ran smoothly,' said Steve.

'It has been a long, tiring weekend — but a very satisfying one! We are delighted.

'This is a major event in the West Country and as far as we are concerned we are here to stay — and we want to grow.'

On the Sunday evening a total of 200 people — including 145 members of balloon crews — enjoyed the traditional Survivors' Supper in the main marquee.

After last year's absence due to the foot and mouth crisis the West Country Balloon Fiesta was back — and bigger and better than ever.