Europe's first double-loop rollercoaster, located at Alton Towers theme park in Staffordshire, is to be dismantled next month.

The Corkscrew, which opened nearly three decades ago, will carry passengers for the last time on 9 November. Since opening in April 1980 at a cost of £1.25m, the ride has carried nearly 43.5 million people. It was designed by Arrow Dynamics and constructed by the Dutch ride manufacturer, Vekoma.

A new ride will take the place of The Corkscrew at the theme park, although details are yet to be released as a spokesperson for the park confirmed that it is still in the planning stage. Divisional director for the Alton Towers Resort, Russell Barnes, said: "The Corkscrew has played a key part in the heritage of the Alton Towers Resort.

"But now it is the right time to say goodbye to the attraction as we look forward to continuing to pioneer fantastic family entertainment of the future." A special event is being planned to celebrate the last day of The Corkscrew's operation.