An attempt by two UK pilots to fly a balloon to the edge of space has been cancelled. The decision was announced after a hole appeared in the balloon during inflation.

　　Mission Control director Brian Jones said: "Things were going incredibly well, because of that I think it is an even more devastating blow for the team on board and us in mission control."

　　Colin Prescot and Andy Elson's flight would have been the first British-piloted manned space mission. They were hoping to launch the attempt off Cornwall in a balloon taller than the Empire State Building.

　　The 1,270ft tall QinetiQ1 was bidding to smash a 40-year-old altitude record on a mission Elson had dubbed "a day trip in space". But it was cancelled just before 7.30am.

　　Mr Jones said: "It lost a substantial amount of helium during inflation, probably due to a problem with the valve." He said the launch cancellation meant the team had missed the weather window, and would have to put off any new attempt until next year.