Hot air balloon floats over Geraldton

The RAAF balloon has hit the skies for a farewell flight. 

At approximately 6.30am this morning, Squadron Leader Damien Gilchrist took off from Queen's Park, Geraldton, for a display flight over the city. 

At approximately 7.30am, the balloon landed in an empty lot in Kane St, Wandina, and approximately 50 local residents came outside to talk to the pilot and take photos. 

Around a dozen children had the opportunity to join the pilot in the basket (but not all at once!). 

The children were then safely returned to their parents and the balloon continued its flight. It landed safely in a paddock southeast of Geraldton at around 9am.