NEWS FROM ALTON TOWERS

EXtreme times call for eXtreme measures

Alton Towers Resort hires Simon Cowell’s ex bodyguard to protect new ride

Simon Cowell’s ex bodyguard, Tony Adkins AKA “Big Tony” has been hired to keep trespassers out of the Alton Towers Resort following an attempted break in. Growing speculation and online rumours surrounding the new ride, codenamed secret weapon 6 (SW6), is causing fans to take matters into their own hands to unveil the attractions secret element, as management remain tight-lipped.

Tony Adkins also former bodyguard to Princess Anne, Iron Maiden and Boy George will act as a security consultant to the Resort on the equivalent of a six-figure salary (pro-rata). Adkins’ challenging role will consist of managing and training Alton Towers Resort’s security staff, and develop security strategies to ensure SW6 from now on is protected. The estimated £15 million rollercoaster, scheduled for launch in March 2010 is set to be a world first, with a never before seen feature that bosses hope will woo crowds to the Resort.

Other extreme security measures include, the increase of security staff at the building site, banning cameras and mobile phones, issuing non-disclosure agreements to staff - threatening immediate sacking and a hefty fine. The Resort has even approached Google Earth to black out the building site.

Tony Adkins, security consultant at Alton Towers Resort says: “I have looked after celebrities and even a member of the Royal Family, but this has to be one of my toughest assignments yet. There are many rollercoaster fans desperate to find out why this new ride is so unique and will stop at nothing until they find out. I am confident that with the new strategies in place future trespassers will not be able to enter the site. SW6 is fully protected!”

Morwenna Angove, Sales and Marketing Director at the Alton Towers Resort said: “All staff working on the project have been served with a list of extreme security measures. There is a die-hard fan base out there dedicated to the discovery of information about the new ride and the Resort is desperately trying to keep it under wraps. This is a totally unique ride and we’ll go to any lengths to ensure it remains a top secret.”

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For further information, please contact Frank PR on 0207 693 6999 or email altontowers@frankpr.it



Notes to editors:

The MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP is the leading name in location based, family entertainment, which has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. The world’s second largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin has 57 attractions and 6 hotels in 12 countries, across 3 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 32.4 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and 13,500 employees. Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions – SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, The London Aquarium, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK, Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo, Heide Park, Underwater Adventures, and Earth Explorer.