How hard is it to get to the edge of space?

As it turns out, not hard - all you need is a big helium balloon, which you an buy online. Secondary schools have done it: Last year the Tasker Milward school launched a modified weather balloon to an altitude of thirty three kilometres, above ninety per cent of the atmosphere.

And it seems to have become a bit of a hobby for geeks with some cash and one eye on the sky.

Armchairs' have been sent up there.....



......Lego men have been too...........



.......and toy robots......



.......and, of course, beer.