THE INCREDIBLE site of 24 air balloons above Tavistock on Friday evening marked the start of the Westcountry Balloon Fiesta but unfortunately the unpredictable British weather meant not much other balloon activity during the weekend.

Visitors - some 2,000 - who came to the event on Saturday and Sunday afternoon did not get the opportunity to see balloons flying because of the strong winds and heavy rain but enjoyed the host of other activities on offer which included children's entertainment, live music, the Range Rover Sport driving experience, charity bazaar and tucked into the many refreshments.

The event, organised by the Tavistock Lions and Round Table clubs, was sponsored for the second time by Robert Wiseman Dairies and started in 1992. Since then more than £250,000 has been raised for local charities and community organisations.

Press officer for the fiesta Steve Grummit said: 'Seventeen balloons flew on Sunday morning but then the rain came in in the afternoon which was a shame.

'However the public were able to see some balloons tethered and we bought three balloon envelopes which were past their sell by date on which we could demonstrate the problems of inflating a balloon in those conditions.'

He said it was 'frustrating and disappointing' to not be blessed with fine weather after a year of planning the event but unfortunately it was always at the 'vagaries of the British weather.'

'It's a great event for Tavistock and it is very, very popular. People came out despite the lack of balloon activity and they are very understanding.

'I would like to thank everyone who attended and supported the fiesta this year.'

Discussions will now take place as to whether the event will be held in 2012.