Hopes of spotting an iconic airship for a second day running have been swiftly deflated.

The team behind the world-renowned Goodyear Blimp have been forced to cancel its scheduled trip over Kent today owing to poor flight and weather conditions.

Heavy showers have been forecast in parts of the county for this afternoon with risks of thunder.

The poor conditions mean the famous airship has been grounded and will be unable to make its journey across the English Channel today.

A statement from the team behind the blimp, read: "It is with regret that chief pilot of the Goodyear Blimp just gave us a new update and unfortunately the weather across the English Channel isn't going to allow us to fly and make our journey to the UK today.

"The Goodyear Blimp is based out of Calais for UK flights and weather across the Channel can be prohibitive.

"For everyone's safety we are going to have to cancel today's flights over BTCC Brands Hatch.

Watch the Goodyear Blimp fly over the county yesterday

"The whole team at Goodyear, BTCC and ITV Sport worked tirelessly to try and make this happen, but safety always comes first."

On Twitter users were disappointed but understanding of the reasons behind its grounding.

One wrote: "Sad news, but great to see you over Brands Hatch yesterday".

While others added "an understandable decision as safety comes first" and "you're welcome back at any time."

Yesterday, residents took to the social media platform to post photos of the airship which was marking its first return to British shores for ten years as part of an event held at Brands Hatch in Dartford.

It was first spotted flying over Dover and Folkestone before venturing to Canterbury via the Kent Downs.

From there its voyage covered the airspace above Ashford, Maidstone and Sevenoaks before flying north over Northfleet into Essex and back again.

However, those disappointed today are being urged to keep their eyes on the skies later this week when the weather improves.

The iconic advertising blimp will – weather permitting – pass overhead again on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30, as part of its whistle-stop tour of London.

The Goodyear Blimp is known internationally, after gaining fame for its aerial coverage of the most-watched events in sports and entertainment, ranging from FA Cup Finals at Wembley to Live Aid.

It is an impressive 246 feet long – or the same as almost 17 black cabs lengthways – and is packed with 297,527 cubic feet of helium.

The airship usually flies at around 1,000 to 1,500 feet in the air, and travels at a top speed of 73 miles per hour.

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