A HOUSING manager from Richmond is heading to Colorado to assist with a world balloon altitude record attempt.

Simon Manuel, commercial manager of Mears Social Housing in Richmond, will travel to Denver at the end of the month to assist British explorer David Hempleman-Adams with his attempt to break the record for an open wicker basket. Simon will be one of a team of volunteers provided by the sponsors of the event, the Mears Group Plc.

"I am extremely excited that Mears has given me and my teammates this once in a lifetime opportunity," said Mr Manuel. "It will be a challenging experience, but we are all committed to working together to help make the venture a success."

If successful, the attempt will break the Fdration Aronautique Internationale (FAI) world altitude record of 10,859 metres which was set by Per Axel Lindstrand in November 1996.

The attempt will be made using a Rozire balloon, inflated with a combination of helium and hot air.

The Mears Group is a national provider of facilities and support services to clients in the public and private sectors.