Wicksteed Park pirate ship to close after 34 years

A pirate ship ride that has operated at a theme park for 34 years is to close at the end of this season because of spiralling maintenance costs.

It was installed at Wicksteed Park in Kettering in 1982 but would cost in excess of £200,000 to refit.

Managing director Alasdair McNee said: "Although it's perfectly safe this year... next year it would need a major, major re-fit."