NEWS FROM ALTON TOWERS

THE ULTIMATE RIDE FOR ALEX REID

Big Brother survivor launches search for ultimate adrenaline junkies to preview new rollercoaster TH13TEEN at the Alton Towers Resort

The most anticipated attraction of 2010, the Alton Towers Resort’s new rollercoaster, TH13TEEN, already has a queue! Theme park bosses have been inundated with so many requests from fans who are desperate to try out the ride, that they have decided to launch a national search for the UK’s ultimate ‘adrenaline junkies’ to be first in line.

The resort is offering members of the public the chance to have a ‘world-first’ preview of TH13TEEN, the ‘ultimate rollercoaster’, before its grand opening on March 20th 2010 – but it’s not going to be an easy ride.

Determined thrill seekers are being invited to test their metal with an application process that makes Big Brother seem like your little sister! To kick-start the search, the Alton Towers Resort has put together a team of experts including Celebrity Big Brother winner Alex Reid who will put wannabe riders through their paces in a series of gruelling tests including:

- Psychometric testing
- Interrogation interview
- 2 hr physical assessment
- Rollercoaster endurance (1 hr of continuous rides on Air)
- ‘Midnight bootcamp’

Morwenna Angove, Sales and Marketing Director at the Alton Towers Resort said: “We’re thrilled that so many people are excited about our fantastic new rollercoaster TH13TEEN but we have been inundated with requests from members of the public who want to be first on the ride. We feel this is the fairest way to choose who gets the first ride and are inviting thrill seekers across the nation to prove themselves.”

TH13TEEN is the ultimate rollercoaster and every theme park ride you’ve ever dreamed of in one. The ride will join a long line of world-first attractions at the Alton Towers Resort including "Nemesis", "Oblivion" and "Air". Based on the discovery of an old burial ground, visitors will be invited to take a ride into the Dark Forest, where they will have to try and escape the all-consuming power of the creeping forest.

For more information and to apply visit www.altontowers.com/thirteen

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


Notes to editors:

• Applicants must be over 18 and will be required to sign a disclaimer regarding physical and mental health. Applicants must be available on 2nd and 3rd March 2010
• T&C’s apply

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP is the leading name in location based, family entertainment, and 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 59 attractions and six hotels/ 2 holiday villages in 13 countries and across 3 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 35 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 Merlin Entertainments London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures and Zoo, Underwater Adventures, Heide Park and Earth Explorer.