Image: Two trains will hold 24 passengers each

California's Great America has announced it is to open Gold Striker - one of the tallest and fastest wooden rollercoasters in the Northern California, US - during spring 2013.

The ride is under construction and will be 108ft (33m) at its highest point, with the first drop to be 103ft (31m) and at a 50-degree angle. The top speed will be 54mph (87kmph).

Gold Striker has been custom-designed by Great Coasters International and will include two trains accommodating 24 passengers each. It will have a capacity of 850 guests per hour.

Located in the Celebration Plaza area, Gold Striker is the theme park's eighth coaster and is named after the Californian gold seekers of the 19th century.

"Gold Striker reflects our commitment to providing our guests with the best thrills and entertainment value in the region," said California's Great America vice president and general manager Raul Rehnborg.

"This ride was uniquely designed by melding together the highest performing and most exciting features of the very best wooden roller coasters in the world. Everyone who enjoys the thrills of riding a roller coaster will want to experience Gold Striker."

Click here for more information about Gold Striker, opening at California's Great America next spring.