TOP balloonist Per Lindstrand hopes his plan to give tourists the view of a lifetime from 400 feet above York will be up, up and away by Christmas.

Per, who has captured numerous world records for hot air balloon flights, revealed last November that he wanted to launch a tethered, helium-filled HiFlyer balloon from the city centre.

But no planning application has yet been lodged, in contrast to York's other scheme to give tourists a bird's eye view of the city - the big Yorkshire Wheel, which won permission in January and is due to open at the National Railway Museum next month.

However, Pers revealed today that a specific potential site in the city centre has now been located and surveyed.

He was unwilling to divulge the location, but said it was likely a planning application would be lodged in about June or July, and he hoped it would be giving flights by the time of the festive season.

"I cannot think of a better Christmas present for York," he said.

He insisted that the balloon would provide a very different experience to the big wheel, and the two attractions would complement each other rather than compete. "Our balloon would reach a height of 400 feet, while the wheel would be less than half of that, and our passengers would be flying into the sky."

Under the proposals, up to 25 people in a secure gondola would look down on the Minster, Clifford's Tower and all the city's other great sights, and on a clear day would also be able to see 25 miles in every direction.

Similar balloons are operating at some of the world's greatest tourist sites, including Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls, Pompeii and Barcelona, but Britain has only had one so far, which operates in the summer season only in Bournemouth.

Pers, who is managing director of balloon and airship manufacturers Lindstrand Balloons Ltd of Shropshire, told the Evening Press last autumn that York had been chosen ahead of cities such as Edinburgh to be the first British city to host a balloon.

"York is perfect for it. There would be fantastic views," he said, adding that he believed the balloon rides - accompanied with a commentary explaining York's history - would be a massive boost to York's tourism. However, residents would also be entitled to discounts at off-peak times.

The response from Evening Press readers when the balloon proposals were then floated was overwhelmingly positive, with many residents saying they would happily queue for a flight.

Updated: 11:45 Monday, March 27, 2006