DARE devil Ian Ashpole is planning to fly almost three miles high – clinging to a bunch of toy balloons.
The former Ross-on-Wye journalist will attempt the amazing feat over East Anglia next week.
Ian (46) will be suspended in a special harness beneath 500 helium-filled balloons in a bid to float his way to a new world record by reaching an altitude of 15,000 feet.
Then – wait for it! – he will cut himself free with a Stanley knife and parachute back to earth.
Ian, a well known balloon pilot, already holds the record which he set at 10,000 feet five years ago.
He also holds a number of other hair-raising records – the highest recorded bungee jump, the longest abseil and the first ever tightrope walk between two balloons.
But he will be taking nothing for granted next week and everything will depend on good weather as he requires clear skies and light winds.
He told the Review: "Every attempt takes months of planning and preparation, a good team, a willing sponsor and a little bit of luck. I am confident we can pull this off but it's not an easy record to break and it's going to push us all very hard."
He says the first few thousand feet are the most dangerous.
To minimise the risk during this part of the attempt Ian will be attached by a safety line to the Lurpak Lighter hot air balloon. Once above 6,000 feet Ian will release himself from the safety balloon and continue his ascent unaided.