Let's go up, up in the air

The chance to reach for the skies is only a stone's throw away in the Usk Valley.

The increasingly popular hot air ballooning become a real favourite with both extreme sports fans and those wanting a peaceful past-time.

Flights make the perfect present for friends or the ideal set-up for a romantic champagne basket for two.

First Flight regularly take off from Raglan, Crickhowell, Monmouth and St Pierre - depending on the wind direction.

First Flight boss Nigel Appleton quashed fears some first-timers may have about flying high.

He told the Argus: "There's lots of misconceptions about hot air ballooning - it's very safe.

"We would expect to fly normally anywhere between tree top height to four or five thousand feet."

Nigel promises hot air ballooning is a unique adventure and lots of fun.

He said: "Imagine drifting with the breeze, unhurried, watching the world pass by."

Nigel has been ballooning for 15 years and takes flight around 100 times a year.

Without a doubt, he's hooked.

"There's no movement - it's absolutely still. When you're up there it's like being in a different world."

Passengers step in to a suspended wicker basket beneath the balloon.

Nigel said: "It provides a very stable, secure platform to enjoy the flight, take in the spectacular views and soak up the atmosphere."

Nigel admits passengers are occasionally nervous at first.

He said: "Some are apprehensive and have a fear of heights.

"But it's not the same as going up a ladder and getting vertigo. It's a very different experience."

Nigel has been ballooning across the world, including Africa and Italy.

He says it makes the perfect present for any occasion. Tickets are valid for 12 months and First Flight offer baskets which hold either eight or two people.

* All flights are carried out under strict guidelines of First Flight's Civil Aviation Authority licence.

For more information call Nigel on 01934 852875 or email info@firstflight.co.uk or visit www.firstflight.co.uk.