Scores of thrill-seekers descended on Pleasurewood Hills for the unveiling of an egg-citing new roller coaster.

Members of local businesses, trusts and charities were invited to the Lowestoft theme park today for an exclusive ride on Egg-spress, which replaces family favourite The Rattlesnake.

Alongside them were a host of lucky competition winners and Pleasurewood Hills members, all eager for a first taste of the speedy twists and turns.

For many Egg-spress' arrival is long overdue, with its predecessor closing in 2017 after enthralling locals and tourists alike for more than 30 years.

But in February, the park confirmed the classic ride would make a welcome return under a new name.

Ricky Lark, who became the park's new general manager in December, expressed his delight at finally seeing the attraction entertaining enthusiastic visitors.

'A lot of work has gone into this,' said Mr Lark, 34. 'The planning and original designs were put together in June last year and then construction started in October.

'For six months we've been working solidly, seven days a week, to get things to what they are today. I hope everyone is going to come and enjoy it and really love it.

'Feedback so far has been very positive. I think it helps that it's an attraction the whole family can enjoy together and it's such a favourite because people remember it from their childhood.'

First introduced to the park in 1986 when it was named Ladybird, the coaster was remodelled and renamed The Rattlesnake in 1990.

In January 2017, however, there was sadness when it was announced the 'iconic Rattlesnake had sadly come to the end of its life' and would go into retirement.

Among the first to ride Egg-spress - opened by Suffolk County Councillor Tony Goldson - were Charlie and Jack Herring, who live in Lowestoft and visit Pleasurewood Hills regularly.

'I'm very excited to be at the opening of Egg-spress because I used to love The Rattlesnake,' said Charlie, 12. 'It's very cool to be one of the first to ride it.

Jack, 9, added: 'I think the Egg-spress might now be my favourite ride at Pleasurewood Hills.'

Egg-spress will be available for members of the public to ride from Saturday, April 6, when Pleasurewood Hills opens for the new season.