A British mother-of-two has died after falling from a hot air balloon while on holiday in South Africa.

Susan Astle, 48, plummeted 20ft from the balloon in front of her husband and sons after a strong wind flipped the basket over as it approached landing.

Mrs Astle was rushed to hospital but died the following day of serious head injuries.

A four-year-old girl was also thrown out of the basket and airlifted to a Johannesburg hospital, where she is believed to be in a serious condition.

The girl's mother also tumbled out as the basket was dragged along the rocks and smashed into a tree.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesperson told ITV News: "We are supporting the family of a British national who sadly died in South Africa on 25 October."

The hot air balloon ride had been a 70th birthday present for survivor Olivia Denny from her son.

Mrs Denny told News24: "We wanted to land in an open veld, but when we were about to land, the wind just swept us away.

"The wind dragged us through the bushes and rocks before we eventually landed between two trees. We had to hold on for dear life."

Mrs Denny added: "I am just absolutely thankful that we are all alive. It was supposed to be one beautiful day out, but it turned into an absolute nightmare."

Bill Harrop, a British expat who runs the company that organised the balloon trip, said his firm is cooperating with authorities and launching its own investigation into the incident.