End of era for Alton Towers ride

Rollercoaster enthusiasts were given the chance to mark the end of an era by going on Alton Towers' Black Hole ride for the last time.

The undercover attraction, which closed on Saturday, has been at the Staffordshire theme park for 20 years.

It is being replaced by a new ride, Rita the Queen of Speed.

About 70 people had lunch at the theme park on Saturday and a draw decided which half dozen went on the Black Hole for the final time in the afternoon.

The group was contacted through websites about Alton Towers.

Rita the Queen of Speed, which is in a different location at the park, comes into operation on 1 April.