Branson gets green light for lift off

Marrakesh - The multi millionaire Richard Branson and two fellow balloonists will set off to circumnavigate the globe early today…

Marrakesh - The multi millionaire Richard Branson and two fellow balloonists will set off to circumnavigate the globe early today. The Virgin Challenger hot air balloon will leave a military base in Marrakesh, Morocco, some time between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. GMT.

"I'm looking forward to it more than anything I have ever looked forward to in my life," Mr Branson said, appearing confident and excited as he revealed that the long awaited launch was finally to go ahead.

Mr Branson was greeted by a group of African musicians when he arrived at a reception in honour of the Virgin Challenger bid, hosted by the King of Morocco's councillor.