Twins celebrated for rollercoaster 'record'

Twin brothers were cheered and celebrated as they set what is claimed to be a British record, riding the UK's highest rollercoaster for the 20,000th time.

Mark and Colin Brown, 63, were in the front row on The Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach when they reached their target.

The brothers, from Birmingham, nearly missed their record attempt after high winds forced the ride to shut early on the day they chose - but they had better weather for their return the next day.

Andy Hygate, director of operations at the resort, said it was "a really amazing atmosphere and a really nice day for them and for all the team".

"They are certainly some of our most enthusiastic guests, we are used to seeing them on a regular basis," he added.

"We put them in the best seats on the front row, and we got everyone in the queue to cheer as they departed and when they came back.

"We were as excited for them, as I think they were."

The brothers first rode the 235ft (71m) high attraction in May 2001 but had to wait a day to get their "record".

"We knew when they were six rides away, but unfortunately on that day, it was quite windy and the ride had to shut early," Hygate said.

But the twins were not going to be stopped, returning the next morning and got the special treatment.

They also got their on-ride photo awarded to them afterwards, along with a certificate of recognition and congratulation from Pleasure Beach Resort.

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