Alton Towers has mothballed its swinging ship ride The Blade after 35 years of operation.
Opening in 1980 as a traditional pirate ship ride, it is not expected to re-open before being removed from the park.
It was re-themed to The Blade in 1996, but its popularity with guests has continued to diminish.
Although currently remaining listed on the Alton Towers website, it has been removed from the Early Ride Time line-up of attractions and also the 2015 park map.
It is widely expected that The Blade’s containing Forbidden Valley area will at least partly feature the park’s major new ride planned for 2017.