New Mexico balloon festival draws thousands to Albuquerque

Thousands of people have gathered in New Mexico to witness the colourful spectacle of hundreds of balloons taking to the skies above the region's picturesque desert landscape.

The 46th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is under way with large inflatable characters hovering over the city including bees, motorbikes, Elvis Presley and hundreds of traditional hot air balloons.