Alton Towers has opened its new Wicker Man rollercoaster to the public for the first time, following three days of delays due to cold temperatures.
Constructed by American company Great Coasters International, it is the first wooden rollercoaster built in the UK for 22 years.
The ride opened at around 15:00 today, following a period of testing with empty trains.
Queues soon grew to an estimated two hours, and the ride will operate into the early evening following queue entrances closing at 16:00.
Staff had to work to remove snow and ice from the ride’s tracks, access walkways and guest queueline footpaths.
Originally scheduled to open on Saturday, Alton Towers had to delay opening as it was unable to operate its major rides and rollercoasters due to low temperatures.
Wicker Man’s official opening was re-scheduled for 24 March, however the ride will continue to operate this week as temperatures allow.
Alton Towers said that an “opening ceremony” will take place this Saturday.
A press launch event held on Friday night was attended by guests including X Factor winner Matt Terry, Hollyoaks actor Kieron Richardson and veteran rollercoaster enthusiast Andy Hine.