THOUSANDS of people basked in the sunshine as a hot-air balloon extravaganza got back off the ground after a three-year absence.

More than 50 balloons took to the skies over Dartmoor at the weekend as the Westcountry Balloon Fiesta returned to Tavistock in style.

Organisers are estimating the spectacular drew a whopping 5,000 spectators as pilots from all over the UK descended on the region.

Some enthusiasts even took a trip in darkness as part of a "night glow" on Saturday evening, with pilots firing their balloon's burners in time to music.

Food stalls, live music, a bar and children's activities also helped raise thousands of pounds for charities, said Steve Grummitt, spokesman for organisers the Lions Club of Tavistock.

"The fiesta was absolutely phenomenal," he said. "We can't believe how lucky we were with the weather and we were very surprised by the number of people that turned up.

"It was a fantastic weekend and it's great that the fiesta is back at Tavistock."

The event had taken place for 16 years until 2008, when its future hung in the balance due to steep fuel costs, red tape and a lack of sites.

However, the fiesta found a new home in Crowndale Road after gaining sponsorship from Robert Wiseman Dairies and a grant from Tavistock Town Council.

CLICK HERE TO SEE 100 IMAGES FROM THE FIESTA UPLOADED BY THISISPLYMOUTH USERS