A DARING centenarian realised a lifetime ambition to have her head in the clouds by taking a trip in a giant tethered balloon.

Staff at Colten Care's Court Lodge home in Lymington arranged for Joan Mackay to soar 492 feet into the air in the gondola of the Bournemouth Balloon.

The 103-year-old spent an enjoyable 15 minutes above the resort, viewing landmarks up to 20 miles away.

"I loved it," was Joan's verdict when she returned to earth in the company of the home's activity organisers Julia Puia and Helen Bennett.

She added: "I enjoyed it very, very much."

Joan, who was accompanied by her niece and nephew, celebrates her 104th birthday next month. She is the oldest resident at Court Lodge.

Julia said Joan hadn't stopped talking about the balloon trip.

"Most of us were at best nervous, and in some cases petrified, at going up in the balloon but Joan was as calm as anything.

"She really loved it and said to us after the trip that she would never forget the experience.

"We're just so pleased that we were able to arrange the balloon trip and that the weather on the day was so good."

The clear day meant the pier was in view, with Joan also able to have a bird's eye outlook of development work taking place in the town centre.