A scary opening season for Alton Towers' Smiler ride
As Alton Towers comes to the end of its opening season, the flagship ride at the resort, the Smiler, was forced to close again this weekend due to a fault.
This is the first season the ride has been open at the Staffordshire theme park, and it has not gone smoothly for the highly-anticipated roller-coaster.
Wednesday April 24: Work is completed on the Smiler. Described by the resort as 'the most impressive addition to Alton Towers', it cost £18million and required 700 tonnes of steel.
Thursday May 23: The opening of the Smiler was delayed due to technical problems described by the park as 'unforeseen teething problems'.
Tuesday May 28: The Smiler is still closed, with the park unable to say when it will open.
Saturday June 1: The world's largest roller-coaster finally opens at Alton Towers.
Tuesday July 23: The ride is forced to close after reports of a bolt falling from the ride.
Wednesday July 24: The Smiler re-opens, with a park spokesperson claiming that at no point was anyone in danger.
Saturday November 2: The roller-coaster is again forced to close after some of its wheels came off while at the highest point of the ride.