LOCAL photographer, Russell Walker, took these picture early on Saturday morning (June 11).

 He takes up the story: "Woke up early on Saturday morning and looked out across the Severn Estuary and saw a wonderful sight of over 25 hot air balloons flying high.

"In order to take advantage of this, myself, my wife Jill and our sons Chad, four, and Kobi, 18 months, quickly got dressed, rushed downstairs, jumped in the car and headed for Lydney Docks. 

"When we arrived we were treated to a fantastic view across the river of the balloons floating gently into the distance."