A NORTH theme park has opened its new £4m white-knuckle ride.

The Lost River Ride, at Flamingo Land, North Yorkshire, featuring a 60ft drop, is part of a five-year plan to revamp the park.

The Lost River, once surrounding landscaping is complete, will snake around animals and a primate island in the middle, which will feature baboons.

A new ten-acre section of the park, known collectively as the Lost Kingdom Reserve, will combine the two elements of Flamingo Land, the largest privately owned adventure park in the UK.

Themed rides and the river ride will be situated near endangered species from the zoo section of the park.

Flamingo Land director Melanie Wood, said an extra African-themed attraction for the site is being dreamed up as part of the five-year revamp, and could include jeep safaris or a wooden rollercoaster in keeping with the wildlife setting.

Chief executive Gordon Gibb said: "The money we have invested in this means we have produced a real show-stopper for visitors.

"Instead of going for a real white-knuckle thrill-ride, we decided to go for something that all the family can have a go on.

"It's an educational experience for the children because they get to learn about endangered species as they go around the wildlife, and their treat at the end is the fun drop and getting splashed with water."

Flamingo Land has more than 1,000 animals, including penguins, sea lions, camels and tigers, 12 rides and six family shows.

Visitor numbers rose by more than 11 per cent to 1.4 million last year.