Early risers in London were left rubbing their eyes to see a giant hot air balloon pass under Tower Bridge today.

The bridge opened to allow the balloon to travel through in celebration of Disney Pixar's new movie 'UP.'

The fully operational hot air balloon is a replica of Carl Fredricksen's house (featured in the film). It has more than 500 mini balloons stitched to the main balloon and a inflated house that completely envelopes the basket and pilot to create the illusion of a flying house.

UP is a comedy adventure about 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen who fulfills his lifelong dream when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America.

But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away on the trip: an overly optimistic eight-year-old wilderness explorer named Russell. The film is out in cinemas 9 October.

If you thought seeing a hot air balloon under Tower Bridge is surprising, spare a thought for the elderly lady who encountered a python slithering up her toilet. Check out more things spotted in a strange places...