It was the beginning of a new decade and plenty about Watford was changing. A new shopping centre was being built and the finishing touches were being put to a leisure pool complex a short distance away.

These pictures from our archive were taken by a Watford Observer photographer during a hot air balloon ride over the town in May 1990.

The flight began at Watford Fields, a short distance away from Watford Springs where construction was continuing outside the main building, and their journey took them over the southern and western parts of town and took in landmarks including Watford FC, Watford General Hospital.

Watford Observer: The start of the balloon ride with Watford Springs in frontThe start of the balloon ride with Watford Springs in front (Image: Watford Observer)

Take a look through the pictures on this page and you may spot where you live?

Watford Observer: The railway is behind the housesThe railway is behind the houses (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Watford Springs is to the centre right with the Harlequin taking shape beyond thatWatford Springs is to the centre right with the Harlequin taking shape beyond that (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: A view over the southern part of Watford towards the archesA view over the southern part of Watford towards the arches (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The Cardiff Road industrial areaThe Cardiff Road industrial area (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Flying above the home of the Hornets and the hospitalFlying above the home of the Hornets and the hospital (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: A great view of how Vicarage Road looked from above in 1990A great view of how Vicarage Road looked from above in 1990 (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Beyond the football ground above the hospitalBeyond the football ground above the hospital (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The balloon casts a shadow on the homes belowThe balloon casts a shadow on the homes below (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Looking down on an industrial estateLooking down on an industrial estate (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Getting out of town...Getting out of town... (Image: Watford Observer)