A FLYING doctor is riding high after winning the World Ballooning Champ-ionship.

Dr David Bareford, of Cookley, scooped the world title for the second time in front of 80,000 spectators in France.

His victory at Chatellerault at the weekend completed an amazing comeback for the consultant haematologist who languished in 11th place with three flights left out of seven.

Dr Bareford, who works at City Hospital, Birmingham, said: "I was very surprised to win. After I dropped to 11th I felt that was it but thankfully I was only 500 points off the lead and managed to turn it around.

"It was a lot tougher than when I first won in 1997 but I think the overcast conditions helped me gain ground."

Dr Bareford, 52, of Austcliffe Lane, had to overcome several obstacles to land his second title.

He feared his high-flying days were over when an accident wrote off his specially modified van to transport his hot air balloon 19 months ago.

However, with the help of sponsorship and his own money he got back on the road. Then he was confronted by the foot and mouth crisis last year which affected his practice.

But he flew over all barriers to win the trophy and gold medal, beating American Steve Jones and Swede Jan Balkedal who were second and third.

The flying doctor also won the European Champion-ship, in Luxembourg two years ago, and is seven times British champion.

In 1994 he became the first person to receive a gold badge in ballooning for exceptional achievement in four aspects of the sport - accuracy, height, distance and duration.

He was back in Cookley on Monday to celebrate victory with German wife Karin, a former official at world events, and children Stephany, Dominique, and Benedict.

Although he is into his 50s he is determined to defend his title in Mildura, Australia, in two years time.

He said: "In the top 10 there were three balloonists older than me - experience counts for a lot - although an 18-year-old American came seventh so I am looking over my shoulder!"

He may have flown more than 2,500 hours in 30 years, but he is looking forward to his next major trip because among his prizes was a return flight to New York on Concorde.

..............