A LOW-FLYING hot air balloon was spotted in the skies above Basingstoke by many people last night.

Locals could not believe their eyes when they spotted a giant green man floating past their windows yesterday evening (June 23).

Whilst the Gazette joked it could be a UFO, the giant green man was actually Buddy Balloon, a special shaped hot air balloon that was previously used for advertising Microsoft Windows Live.

Buddy Balloon is no longer used by Microsoft and his new owners travel the world flying for pleasure.

Posting on their social media page, Buddy’s owners added pictures of their flight writting: “Buddy over Basingstoke tonight. Stunning flight bringing joy to lots of people.”

Residents rushed to share pictures on social media as the balloon made its way across the town.

Clair Ramshaw wrote: "OMG I spotted that but I have a headache so wondered if I was just seeing things."

One mother and son even followed the balloon across town to watch it eventually land near Crabtree Plantation.

Did you see the balloon last night?