Four new super rides deemed to be the 'tallest and fastest' of their kind in the country are being opened at a Staffordshire water park later today. (August 28)

The adrenaline-pumping new rides at Waterworld, in Stoke-on-Trent, will be officially opened this afternoon by former World's Strongest Man Eddie Hall - who hails from North Staffordshire.

The rides - which tower up to 16.5 metres above ground level - are part of the new Tornado Alley zone at the complex and are at the centre of a massive expansion at the Festival Park attraction.

Pictured: World's Strongest Man 2017 Eddie 'The Beast' Hall with Waterworld owner Mo Chaudry
Pictured: World's Strongest Man 2017 Eddie 'The Beast' Hall with Waterworld owner Mo Chaudry

Waterworld owner Mo Chaudry said: "We believe the rides on our top platform are the highest in the Ƶ - and Thunderbolt is also the fastest.

"The opening of these rides marks the end of a mammoth construction project, and the first stage of a huge new era for Waterworld which cements our position as the Ƶ's number one indoor tropical aqua park."

A closer look at the new super rides...

THUNDERBOLT

The fastest and steepest of the new flumes - reaching speeds of up to 39kph. A heart-pounding plummet for adrenaline junkies.

۰䳢

This one is classified as ‘medium to severe’ and can be ridden on either a one or two-person raft.

STORMCHASER

The longest of the four new rides - also classified as medium to severe - designed for single or two-person rings.

HURRICANE

To be ridden feet first, lying on your back – if you’re brave enough. This one is classified as ‘severe’.

In addition the the new rides, Waterworld is undergoing a major expansion project in what is being described the largest single investment in the history of the business.

The investment - which coincides with the attraction's 30th anniversary year - includes a two storey-extension which will boast:

  • A new water-themed indoor Adventure Mini Golf

  • A state-of-theart M Club spa and fitness facility

  • A major upgrade of the changing rooms including 1,000 digital lockers

  • A new-look front-of-house play zone and reception area

  • A children's soft play zone

Mo added: "This all adds up to the biggest single investment in Waterworld's 30-year history, creating new jobs and providing work for local contractors."

Waterworld generates around £13 million for the local economy every year, according to economic impact research carried out by Staffordshire Tourism.

At the moment, it attracts more than 350,000 visitors a year, but the expansion is expected to see that figure increase to more than 500,000 annually