Call new hotline if you spot UFO

The vast majority of UFO sightings or mysterious happenings have simple and logical, if often somewhat disappointing, explanations.

Now West researchers dealing with UFOs and the paranormal, have joined forces to launch a hotline for people to report intriguing sightings or occurrences.

The 24-hour line has been set-up by the Swindon UFO Research and Wiltshire Phenomena Research groups to cope with the inquiries and reports from the public.

From UFOs to spirits that apparently don't just come out of a bottle down at the local pub, they want to hear from anyone who has witnessed such happenings.

Chris Williams, of Swindon UFO Research, said: "Callers can contact us and we will route their call to an expert within either of the two groups who we feel would be best be able to handle the enquiry."

Mr Williams, who is in his early 40s, has spent half his life delving into UFO claims and formed the Swindon group in November 2007.

He said that since June last year the Swindon group had received 47 reports of mysterious objects in the skies, virtually all of which have been cleared-up with down-to-earth explanations.

"These have ranged from helicopters and aircraft to light shows and the appearance of Venus," he said.

His team received a string of reports of strange "dancing lights" in the skies to the north of Swindon last Thursday. It appears they were from to a light show at Cirencester College during an open day for prospective students.

Mr Williams said: "About ninety nine per cent of sightings have explanations like that. We can clear those up and concentrate on the one per cent where there isn't a logical or apparent explanation."

Reports can be left at 01793 484510.