A MICRO-SKIRT of colour on Torquay's most controversial tourist attraction is raising eyebrows.

The Lindstrand Hi-Flyer tethered helium balloon has been re-inflated at Torre Abbey Gardens on the seafront to reveal a narrow band of coloured palm motifs, a single large palm, the name of the resort and its towns, and the logo of a sponsor.

The colours are a contrast to the previous bland off-white of the 120ft-high balloon, which had been likened to a nuclear power station reactor dome.

A team from Lindstrand worked into the night to fill the balloon with more than £20,000 of helium gas after delays in the arrival of a crane needed to hoist the two-tonne canopy for inflation.

The team were yesterday working to prepare the balloon for test flights in preparation for the resumption of its £14-a-head 15-minute 'flights' going 400ft into the air.

Visitors and locals gathered to watch, and Sean Hogan, of Corby in Northants, said: "I would like to go up in it. It looks like a good attraction for Torquay."

His wife Anne said: "I think it is very unusual. It is something you notice when you come into Torquay."

Louise Godfrey, of Torquay, said: "I haven't missed it, but it is a bit better with the new colours rather than the great big white ball it was."

John Littlewood, of Pontefract, Yorks, said: "I don't think you will get people going up at that price, that is way too dear."

And his wife Sandra added: "It is a bit ugly. It could be improved if it was taken away."

John Harris, of Seaway Lane, Torquay, said: "I thought it would be a little bit more colourful but it is an improvement. I think it is a great attraction.

"We need things that create interest. It is a focal point for the area and can see it when you are driving in to Torquay."

However, Mary Rutter, from Worcestershire, said: "I don't think it lends itself to Torquay. It just isn't Torquay."

Her friend Joan Boon added: "It is too big for this garden and it spoils it."

Lindstrand chief Alistair Gunning said the colour scheme has been designed to allow images to be projected on to the upper part at night.

"This is something we did last year and it was a success," he said.

He said tests are being carried out and the balloon will be operating as soon as all the checks have been completed.

Balloon critic Susie Colley said: "The incongruous shape of this balloon has once again invaded the beauty of the Bay.

"In the last few months it has been really lovely to view the Bay and the tranquil gardens without its bulk obscuring the view."