The extraordinary weather that has hit the Staffordshire Moorlands today has forced the closure of the Alton Towers Resort Theme Park at approximately 11.20am this morning.

"This is an almost unprecedented action and not one that we take lightly," said Ian Crabbe, Alton Towers Resort Divisional Director. "However the health, safety and welfare of our guests and staff is our prime concern and it became apparent that the extremely high winds were not abating and were not only causing issues in the woodland areas, but were also affecting our ability to operate our headline rollercoasters. We have therefore issued all of our guests today with a letter that allows them to come back later in the year.

"Of course we are extremely sorry for the disappointment and inconvenience that this action may cause to our guests, but their safety in these extraordinary circumstances outweighs everything else."

The Theme Park is expected to re-open tomorrow and the Hotels, Waterpark and Spa remain unaffected.

For further information please contact the Press Office on 01538 704015