Air balloon stunt falls foul of weather

SOME debate prevails as to what actually caused the cancellation of yesterday's much publicised hot-air balloon stunt over the Shing Mun River - organised to raise funds for the Community Chest by ATV and starring actress Lee Heung-lam.

Journalists covering the intended flight had two versions to choose from: a) The Signal No 1 posed a hazard to the screen queen's life; or b) exposure to the elements was not healthy for the TV cameras.

An ATV spokesman explained: ''We cannot predict the weather and we were worried about the safety of the actress.'' Quite. But did the fact that Ms Lee can't swim have anything to do with it?