HOPEFUL UFO spotters have once again been foiled.

The Warrington Guardian reported on a big ball of fire seen in the sky at around 10.50pm on June 20.

But Joanne Thompson, of Carrington Park, has claimed responsibility.

“I set off one Chinese lantern that night to celebrate moving into my new house and make a wish on it,” she said.

She also set off nine lanterns in November to celebrate her birthday – perhaps accounting for yet more extra terrestrial sightings.