Animated Oscar winners are tourism ambassadors

Animated heroes Wallace and Gromit stopped off in Preston to show off their latest invention.

The wacky inventor and his dog, created by Walmer Bridge-born animator Nick Park, visited the Flag Market in their distinctive A35 van to promote their new £5.25m fairground ride, the Thrill-o-Matic.

The attraction, which recently opened at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, takes thrill-seekers through a colourful themed trip based on the duo’s series of short films, including A Grand Day Out, The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave and A Matter of Loaf and Death.

Oscar-winning creator Nick, who last week visited Fulwood to hand out awards to school children, said: “We have really enjoyed working with the Pleasure Beach team on this new ride and new format for Wallace and Gromit and we are delighted with Thrill-O-Matic.”

Blackpool Pleasure Beach managing director Amanda Thompson said: “We are delighted to have Wallace and Gromit at Pleasure Beach.

“Thrill-O-Matic represents a significant investment in the park and we know the characters will be a huge hit with the families who come and visit Pleasure Beach.

“Wallace and Gromit are national treasures and to have them here re-affirms our commitment to attracting families back to the resort for what we hope will be A Grand Day Out.”

The duo will continue to tour the north of England throughout May to promote the ride and act as animated ambassadors for national tourism body, VisitEngland.

As ‘tourism trailblazers’, they will be encouraging people to take a summer holiday in the UK.