BLACKPOOL'S latest ride opens next month and many people will be finding excuses not to ride on it - claiming a 210ft climb at 80 miles per hour is not for them.

But not Doris Thompson, who at 94 has been given the all clear by doctors to try the Pleasure Beach's new PlayStation - the ride!

Doris, the chairwoman of the Pleasure Beach which is ranked among the world's top ten theme parks, will be one of the first people to try the new ride, which is said to be similar to being ejected from a fighter plane.

And now the brave pensioner is aiming to raise money for Motorneurones disease by holding a coffee morning on Sunday, May 18.

The attraction, which is due to open on June 3, seats 12 people and will whisk thrillseekers up 210 feet at 80 miles per hour and then send them into freefall back to earth.

The Civil Aviation Authority had to give clearance for the structure which features two warning aircraft beacons, just like its taller cousin the Big One.

With a special lighting rig, it is hoped the PlayStation will join the Big One and the Tower as part of the area's recognised landscape.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach managing director Geoffrey Thompson was quick to praise the ride, which is 40ft taller than Nelson's Column in London.

He said: "This new ride will blow you away as it is a new concept in amusement park technology.

"We are proud to be the first park in the UK to build such an innovative ride and we're looking forward to a happy partnership for PlayStation - the Ride with Sony UK and PlayStation after the success of the Pepsi Max Big One."

If you want to sponsor Doris on her trip to the top, literally, send donations to Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

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