A BIRTSMORTON-based balloon company that saw its business badly hit by foot and mouth has been given a rural recovery grant to help rebuild trade.

Worcester Balloons operates hot-air balloon pleasure flights from Worcester Racecourse and Eastnor Castle but was forced to cease trading early in February, as the disease swept the country.

The company, which needs farmers' fields to land in, stopped taking new bookings but kept its office open for information. It also applied for Government help with new equipment and marketing and promotion costs.

This week, the company announced it was now taking bookings for the 2002 flying season, which starts in April, after confirmation of a grant for an undisclosed amount from Worcestershire and Herefordshire Business Link, which administers the scheme.

Proprietor Joanna Barber welcomed the grant but also praised customers who had been patient and stood by the company during its enforced lay-off.

The firm says it will honour all tickets for flights booked for 2001.

"All my passengers have sat tight this year and accepted and understood the situation and have basically supported me," said Ms Barber.

"The grant enables us to buy a new basket and produce new information and logos. From a business side, it's a proper relaunch.

"Yes, the business almost folded. There was no income and we couldn't take any bookings. It's been a lot of give and take between us and our customers and it just shows the amount of goodwill there is."

Worcester Balloons can be contacted on 01684 833037 or at www.worcesterballoons.co.uk