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Final rides for iconic Corkscrew Final rides for iconic Corkscrew
(40 minutes later)
Hundreds of people are taking their final rides on an iconic rollercoaster in Staffordshire. Hundreds of people have taken their final rides on an iconic rollercoaster in Staffordshire.
The Corkscrew at Alton Towers, which was Europe's first double-looped rollercoaster, is to be dismantled after 28 years in service.The Corkscrew at Alton Towers, which was Europe's first double-looped rollercoaster, is to be dismantled after 28 years in service.
The theme park closed for the season last weekend, but reopened for the special celebration of the attraction.The theme park closed for the season last weekend, but reopened for the special celebration of the attraction.
The rollercoaster, which has carried an estimated 43 million people, will be replaced by a larger ride.The rollercoaster, which has carried an estimated 43 million people, will be replaced by a larger ride.
The Corkscrew opened on 4 April 1980, cost £1.25m to build, and reached speeds of 44mph (70km/h).The Corkscrew opened on 4 April 1980, cost £1.25m to build, and reached speeds of 44mph (70km/h).
However, after nearly three decades of service, technology has moved on and park managers said the Corkscrew was being retired.However, after nearly three decades of service, technology has moved on and park managers said the Corkscrew was being retired.
Russell Barnes, divisional director at the park, said: "We are extremely proud to have hosted Europe's first double-helix rollercoaster, but it is now the right time to say goodbye to the attraction as we look forward to continuing to pioneer fantastic family entertainment of the future."Russell Barnes, divisional director at the park, said: "We are extremely proud to have hosted Europe's first double-helix rollercoaster, but it is now the right time to say goodbye to the attraction as we look forward to continuing to pioneer fantastic family entertainment of the future."