WHEN Oakwood Theme Park unveiled its fastest ever rollercoaster last week I was among the valiant reporters queuing up to sample the thrills of the latest white-knuckle ride, Speed.

The statistics for the new ride are certainly daunting. With speeds of up to 95kph, a 115ft vertical lift and the UK's only more than vertical drop, the ride contrives to create the feeling of flying.

While I was apprehensive about my debut 'flight' I was slightly heartened by the opportunity to either appear brave or be sick on rival journalists. As the impressive looking piece of machinery hoisted our car into the air I cursed my cowardice.

Reaching the summit of the giant 115ft vertical lift we were left dangling for an agonising second before being sent hurtling along the 2,000ft of steel track over the camel hump and a flying 110o turn.

We were then thrown completely upside down before a 360o barrel roll and a horizontal loop which turned us onto our sides into a high speed twist.

After three goes on this ride I was a little dizzy but in full agreement with owner Paddy McNamara's proud claim: "This new ride would sit at any theme park in the world."