A VAST mobile theme park arrived in York at the weekend complete with rollercoaster, log flume, giant wheel and dodgems.

Thunder Theme Park has taken up residence on Knavesmire and will remain there until Sunday.

The equipment takes 48 hours both to put up and dismantle and 22 lorries were required to transport it from Glasgow to York.

Very much an international concern, Thunder Theme Park has visited the likes of Dubai, Norway and the Republic of Ireland.

Jimmy Stringfellow, part-owner and safety officer, stressed that it was not a fun fair, but a fully-fledged theme park.

He said: "This is a high security and safety-conscious park. We are family-orientated. There is no drink, no drugs, no mugs."

It is open from 1pm to 10pm each day and admission is £1.

Updated: 12:25 Friday, June 08, 2001