"Balloon man" attempts the English Channel

A man took off on Friday in a bizarre attempt to cross the English Channel using a giant bunch of helium-filled balloons.
Surrounded by supporters and well-wishers, Jonathan Trappe set off from a field in Kent strapped beneath several dozen enormous, colourful balloons.
The US adventurer, 36, is hoping to be the first person to cross the English Channel by helium balloon.
Trappe took off from Kent Gliding Club in Challock, near Ashford - about 10 miles (16 kilometres) from the coast - shortly after 5am local time (4am GMT).
The aviator expected to reach heights of more than 7,000ft (2133 metres) before, with any luck, reaching the other side later on Friday.
"I'm a little nervous - I've got 75 miles..75 nautical miles (139 kilometres) before I see land again," Trappe told British broadcaster Sky News.
His final destination remains unknown because of the weather.
Trappe will reportedly lower himself by cutting off a few balloons, then more accurately control his rate of descent by jettisoning water ballast.
He has already made a number of trips using his bunch of balloons.
Last month he broke a world record for the longest free-floating balloon flight, flying 109 miles (175 kilometres) across North Carolina.
Trappe's seat is loaded with position finding and communication gear, but he is apparently not wearing an immersion suit, which could see him land in trouble if he is forced to ditch in the sea.
Trappe's adventure is reminiscent of the hero of the recent hit animated film Up. That saw grumpy pensioner Carl Fredericksen attach hundreds of coloured balloons to his house and fly off to South America.