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Alton Towers theme park unveiled the first ever virtual reality rollercoaster at the Science Museum today after a disastrous 2015 left their visiting figures lower than ever.

Galactica was showcased at the Kensington museum on Tuesday (January 12) and is a new take on the park's existing rollercoaster, Air.

Marketing director Gill Riley announced the new attraction would be a virtual reality coaster, where optional headsets can be worn during the ride, produced by Figment Productions.

He said: Galactica uses ground breaking technology to give riders a breathtaking and completely unique rollercoaster experience.

"Tim Peake captured the imagination of millions of Brits last year when he set off on his mission to the International Space Station – and now our visitors can become astronauts too.

"There is nowhere else in the world that people can experience the feeling of a flying rollercoaster combined with soaring through the universe.

"For two minutes, our guests will be transported into space and we believe Galactica showcases the future for theme parks around the world – it’s a complete game changer.”

The Staffordshire park has seen a plunge in visitors following a disastrous 2015 where two victims riding Smiler - Leah Washington and Vicky Blach - had a leg amputated.

The ride is due to open in April 2016.