Drayton Manor Resort has announced it will introduce a pay-per-ride system this year, as the Tamworth park celebrates 75 years of operation.

With a programme of events and fireworks due to take place throughout the year, MD Victoria Lynn said the new pricing structure better reflects the attraction’s history.

“We want to recognise the past of Drayton Manor, and in the past they used to let people in without an entrance fee, but they had to pay per ride, so we thought it would be very cool if we could come up with some form of concept over a limited period of time only, like an event that we would launch throughout the year,” Lynn told Coventry Live.

“We just thought it would be a really good opportunity to actually invite in people like grandparents who do not necessarily want to go on rides, but they can walk around with the kids, so the real idea was to give a piece of what was Drayton Manor like 75 years ago, but it also gives a unique option for people looking for an affordable day out.”

As well as introducing the new fee system, Drayton Manor will also hold regular Saturday firework displays this year, alongside themed weekends and a celebration of Thomas the Tank Engine’s 80th Birthday in May.