Adventurer completes Atlantic balloon challenge

British adventurer David Hempleman-Adams tonight landed safely in Britain after becoming the first person to cross the Atlantic solo in an open wicker basket balloon when he passed over Ireland.

The 46-year-old balloonist and polar explorer notched up the record on his third attempt at the crossing, flying over the south-west tip of Ireland.

He landed just before 6pm today near the village of Hambleton near Blackpool, a spokeswoman for his team said.