THE firm behind the proposed helium balloon attraction in Southampton last night promised a "flying experience".

Council leaders gave permission in principle for the passenger carrying balloon dubbed the "Southampton Eye" to go up in Andrews Park.

The city council's ruling Liberal Democrat Cabinet, still seeking a "wow" factor for the city, unanimously backed the balloon.

Councillor Liz Mizon, the cabinet member responsible for parks, said it was "an innovative idea" that would increase the appeal of the city parks.

Tourism chiefs have already welcomed the balloon predicting it would be a huge attraction for tourists and visitors.

Up to 30 passengers at a time would pay £10 to ride the balloon in a gondola.

Alastair Gunning, a director at Lindstrand Aero Platforms Ltd (LAP), the firm behind the balloon, said he was "delighted" the Cabinet had rallied around the idea.

"It's splendid news," he said promising an experience available to all ages, with kids going free.

"You go up to an altitude of 400 feet. You get wonderful views of up to 25 miles on a good day.

"It's a flying experience. You feel the wind in your hair, birds flying around you.

"It's a really interesting and enjoyable experience."

An excited council leader Adrian Vinson said: "I shall certainly be queuing up for this opportunity."

"There will be spectacular views of the South Downs, New Forest, the Solent, port and city."

Mr Gunning said the first fee paying passengers were tomorrow expected to go up in another of his firm's balloons at Leeds Castle in Maidstone, Kent.

A similar attraction in Bournemouth has already proved very popular.

Mr Gunning said he didn't know of any "impediment" to receiving planning permission to launch the Southampton balloon from spring next year.

He asked for a five-year licence, which would provide the council with a portion of ticket sales and marketing income, worth about £20,000 to put back into parks and open spaces.

LAP now need to get clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority to operate the balloon and the council must get permission from the Government to use Andrews Park because it is common land.

City leisure bosses say the council will not bear any of the risks of the venture or invest any cash in it.