Alton Towers' Pirate Ship to shut after 40 years

The white-knuckle riders came in their thousands inspired to hold cheering competitions as the Pirate Ship swung into action.

Time has been called on Alton Towers' oldest current ride, now known as The Blade, which is closing for good after 44 years.

Park bosses said the ride's closure comes at the end of an "unforgettable 2024 season", which also included the return of Nemesis, with its Reborn tag added after an extensive refurbishment.

Along with The Blade, Flavio’s Fabulous Fandango will also be making its exit, as well as the Alton Towers Dungeon.

The Pirate Ship opened in 1980 with riders taking their seats and then being swung higher and higher into the air.

It was originally located in Fantasy World, now known as X-Sector, and stood on the former site of Submission.

"We would tactically place our group on either end of the ride and partake in cheering competitions to see which side would be louder and quite often, to our joy, other guests joined in with us," blogger Theme Park Guide, said about the Pirate Ship.

Mechanical engineer Mark Hambelton said he had worked on the ride for 30 years, in all weather conditions.

"It’s been a joy. I'll be sad to see it go, but it’s time for its retirement," he said.

In 1997, the ride was renamed The Blade and moved to its current location in the Forbidden Valley section.

It welcomed 500,000 riders per year during its service, equating to about 450 riders every hour, the park said.

Another blogger, Roller Coaster Rachel, said “One of my favourite memories of riding The Blade is sitting on the back rows with friends and family, and seeing who can cheer the loudest as we reach the highest point of the ride.”

Theme Park Guide added: "We have extremely fond memories of The Blade, and always loved getting a large group of us to ride."

“With the Phalanx having maxed out the potential of its swinging blade, we are committed to bringing a new weapon to Forbidden Valley ready for 2025,” bosses said in a statement.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.