Balloonist faces airspace fine

Ballonist David Hempleman-Adams could be fined for entering restricted airspace as he claimed the world altitude record in a hotair balloon. The 47-year-old Briton landed in a Colorado field after reaching 43,000 feet - more than eight miles - in a balloon with an open wicker basket.

However, America's Federal Aviation Administration is investigating whether he had a US licence for yesterday's flight, and whether he was in restricted airspace.

Hempleman-Adams endured temperatures as low as -80C and breathed oxygen to cope with the thin air during the flight which took three and a half hours.

Speaking after the feat he said: "I would still like to fly over Everest."