AMERICAN bosses came to see what Blackpool had to offer this week - and went away impressed.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach played host to two top officials of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, president Mr John Graff and chairman John Roberts, who were visiting the North West's Number One attraction for the first time.

Pleasure Beach owner Geoffrey Thompson and son Nick, group catering and retail director, welcomed the VIP guests.

In a separate visit Allan Britten, first chairman of the English Tourism Council, came to town in the first of a series of regional fact-finding missions across the UK.

Commenting on his visit, arranged by the North West Tourism Board, Alan Britten said: "This has provided me with an ideal opportunity to view the wealth of attractions which the North West has to offer.

"I want visitors to go home and tell their family and friends that Britain and the North West is the place to visit again and again."

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