ONE of the region's top attractions has been told to paint one of its whiteknuckle rides white - because the existing colour is making local people see red.

The 55-metre Cliff Hanger at Flamingo Land, near Pickering, North Yorkshire, was erected earlier this year and given a red and white striped look.

But some people have claimed that the tower ride, which is visible from several miles away, is an eyesore and have called for its removal.

Planning permission was given for a white latticed tower ride last year, but the application was hauled in before district planners when the existing design was unveiled.

Members of Ryedale District Council's northern area planning committee had the option of refusing planning permission and asking park chiefs to dismantle the ride.

Instead, they have now decided to defer the matter to give the park time to change the colour scheme to all-white to make it look less conspicuous.

Councillor Debbie Aubrook said: "I would be quite happy for the cladding to remain and the colour to be changed."

Steve Crampton, one of Flamingo Land's directors, told committee members he was keen for the ride to stay with the existing cladding.

"The complaints we have had from residents has been negligible," he said.

"The cladding had a smoother impact on the landscape. If we had the latticed structure it would turn the ride into a more industrial- looking structure, more like an oil rig."

Council members will wait until the ride has been painted white before making their decision on whether to grant the park permission.