DRAG Queens from Crewe got into top gear for the fastest trip of their lives on a new ride at Alton Towers on Bank Holiday Monday.

'The Park Dream Girls' were four of 20 drag queens that attended the launch party for Rita - Queen of Speed which catapults riders from 0-100 kilometres per hour in under three seconds.

Sylvia Trash (Marc Adams), Dolly Rawplugs (Ian Parsons), Trixy La Belle (Richard Batesman) and Tara Palmer-fits-Tightly (Thomas Shaw-Houghton), are all regular enter-

tainers at The Park Fun Pub and Cabaret Showbar on Wistaston Road in Crewe, and were invited to test drive the £8m Swiss-built ride at its grand opening.

The Park's manager Stuart Preece said: 'It was surreal, we really enjoyed the test runs but it was actually pretty scary!

'We'll definitely be going back again as they have kindly offered us a free day at the park and a night's accommodation in their hotel.'

After travelling at speeds fast enough to dry their nail varnish, the entertainers gave their verdict on the ride.

Miss Dolly Rawplugs said: 'We were the very first people let alone Drag Queens to christen the new ride. I've done many personal appearances before but this has to be the best yet.'

Miss Sylvia Trash said: 'The speed of Rita was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.'

Alton Towers' latest ride is faster than a Ferrari and is their latest addition to previous flagship rides like Nemesis, Oblivion and Air.

The new ride is opening hot on the heels of Alton Towers being sold to an investment firm owned by the government of Dubai.

Sister theme parks Chessington World of Adventure and Thorpe Park were also sold as part of the £800m deal.

Prices for Alton Towers entry start at £28 on the gate and £25 through www.altontowers.com Call 0870 444 4455 for bookings.

For more information on entertainment at The Park Fun Pub in Crewe call manager Stuart Preece on 01270 662677.