Up, up and away as balloon ride goes pop

Lucky winners Phil and Gilman joined singer Newton Faulkner for the world's first live gig in a hot air balloon, 2,000ft above the Swiss Alps, thanks to the Express & Star.

The couple from Wolverhampton, won their place on the trip in an Express & Star competition. They joined the flight over the mountains as Faulkner performed his hit Dream Catch Me and latest single Teardrop in near sub-zero temperatures. The gig was organised by Virgin Balloons, based in Telford, Shropshire, and was recorded.

It was due to be played on air last night on the Virgin Radio DJ Ben Jones's show.

The gig was extra special for the dreadlocked singer who celebrated his 23rd birthday on the morning of the flight, on January 11.

This time last year, Faulkner was virtually unheard of but is now one of Britain's biggest-selling artists after building up his fanbase via MySpace and wowing critics with his guitar technique.

His debut album, Hand Built By Robots, went to number one and has just gone platinum - selling 500,000 copies since its release in the summer.

Phil and Carol, of High Meadows, Compton, said that they were thrilled to win their place on the trip.

Phil, aged 58, admitted neither of them knew the singer very well before the trip but said his performance was amazing.

He said: "We thought the scenery and the balloon was the best thing on the trip but after hearing him sing that was just brilliant.

"I think we will definitely by buying his album."

After reaching the ground the singer then performed an impromptu gig back at a hotel in Chateau D'oex, sometimes called the ballooning capital of the world.

He left his small audience speechless after an acoustic version of Queen classic Bohemian Rhapsody which pushed his ability to the edge.

Newton Faulkner said: "I didn't know I was doing this until a few weeks ago but it was great.

"I was worried my hands wouldn't work and it was hard on my voice because when I went to take a breath I got a rush of cold air."

Faulkner is due to play the Carling Academy in Birmingham on February 24.

He said: "I've played at the Academy before and the Glee Club in Birmingham and the crowd was great.

"I had a wicked night and I'm really looking forward to going back there."

By Shaun Lintern in Switzerland