Blackpool park to beam messages from stratosphere

The idea has been inspired by a new space-themed ride at the Blackpool amusement park

Members of the public are being urged to take part in a project which will see their personal messages broadcast "all the way to space" on a specially designed digital screen.

A dedicated recording booth is being set up at Blackpool Pleasure Beach on 11 August for anyone who wants to submit " something meaningful, heartfelt or hilarious".

Using a hydrogen-filled high-altitude balloon, the messages will then be launched into the stratosphere - about 33.5km (110,000ft) above the Earth's surface - on 15 August, or the following week, depending on weather conditions.

The idea has been inspired by Launch Pad, a new space-themed ride, which opened this year at the Blackpool amusement park.

'Big reveals'

The team at the theme park are looking for submissions from people of all ages, and hope to include "dedications and secrets, to big reveals, or even just funny one-liners".

"This is about giving people the chance to say something meaningful, heartfelt or hilarious - and knowing that, even for a moment, your voice made it all the way to space," said Pleasure Beach boss Amanda Thompson.

Prior to 8 August, people can also submit a short video or written message, a spokesman said.