UFO lights over Cheltenham explained
Martin, along with other residents, spotted four lights moving slowly towards Leckhampton in perfect formation at 6.30pm on Friday.
It prompted speculation over what had caused the lights, but the mystery has been solved thanks to staff at Leonard Cheshire Disability Gloucestershire.
The Leckhampton home has revealed Chinese fire lanterns were set off at 6.25pm in memory of a resident in his 30s who recently passed away.
Activities co-ordinator Jane Bailey said: "It's a home where people are severely physically disabled and sadly people die during the year.
"I thought that rather than being sad at a funeral, letting off the lanterns was something people could enjoy."
It was a ritual Jane introduced to the home last year. Residents let go of the lights before having a Halloween party. They also tied ribbons to a tree in memory of people they had lost.
Mr Horwood, who lives in Pilford Road, saw the lights along with other residents. He told the Echo they were moving in perfect formation, like a wonky parallelogram.
On hearing the less spooky explanation, Mr Horwood said: "That would fit perfectly with what I saw. I'm sure that's an accurate explanation. I'm pleased it's been explained."
But Kenneth Page, who also saw the formation on Friday, remains unconvinced the lights were lanterns.
He said: "If they put up four lanterns the prevailing wind could well have blown them over Leckhampton but what has caused the main puzzlement is the position of these four lights.
"They weren't in any recognisable formation or pattern but stayed at practically the same relationship to each other the whole while that we had them in view. They were too high to be lanterns sent up from the ground."
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