The Chase Hotel have welcomed a film crew who are staying with them, and using their grounds to film part of an upcoming film, The Aeronauts.

In it, pilot Amelia Wren and scientist James Glaisher find themselves in a fight for survival while attempting to make discoveries in a vintage air balloon.

On the morning of Thursday, September 13th, the balloon could be seen in the skies near the Chase, and was observed from all over Ross-on-Wye. At one point, a stuntman even climbed out of the basket, and a helicopter, with a camera attached, accompanied the air balloon to try and capture the scene.

One family, who live near the Larruperz Centre, managed to gain close up access. Teresa Davidson told the Ross Gazette: “My daughter, Tilly, loves helicopters. We woke in the morning, ready for school, and to Tilly’s excitement she heard the helicopter again.”

Tilly, who was getting ready for school, became preoccupied with the sight in the skies. Teresa said: She was waving frantically, and I told her they were waving back. I’ve never had so much trouble trying to get her ready for school! Eventually I hurried her along to school.”

That evening, Tilly heard the helicopter again, and saw that the gas balloon was up. Teresa and Tilly, in her pyjamas, decided to go along to the Chase for a better look.

Teresa said that when they arrived at the Chase Hotel, they ‘spoke to a kind gentleman’, and she asked if they could take a look at the grounded balloon. Walking over, Tilly was invited to get into it.

The Aeronauts team even signed a balloon for her. Teresa said: “I’ve never seen her so made up. We were so grateful.”See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now