NERVES of steel were needed as the former head of Middlesbrough CID launched North Yorkshire's newest attraction.

The 55-metre Cliff Hanger ride at Flamingo Land was tried and tested by Ray Mallon, who braved the UK's tallest tower ride to launch the theme park's £4m Professor Bubbles Seaside Adventure area.

Mr Mallon, dubbed Robocop because of his zero tolerance policy during his time with Cleveland Police, said he remembered his first school trip to the park in the 1960s, and said he was delighted to have been asked to open Flamingo Land's new ride for the 2002 season. He said: "It is an absolute pleasure for me to open the ride. When my daughters were ten and six I asked them where they would like to go for a holiday and they both said Flamingo Land. I think I still come here at least once every 18 months - it is like an institution."

Mr Mallon was more apprehensive when it came to the ride, although after three trips in a row he reassured waiting visitors that he was definitely recommending it. Flamingo Land owner Gordon Gibb said he hoped the new attractions would herald the start of a busy season at the park.

He said: "The ride itself is a £2m development and we don't know anyone else who has considered a themed area on this level before. It's a very exciting time for the company, and I think the star of the show has to be the Cliff Hanger."

Updated: 11:37 Monday, March 25, 2002