BLACKPOOL'S Big One celebrated its High Five in explosive style.

The world's tallest, fastest rollercoaster was five years old this week - and hundreds of people flocked to the Pleasure Beach on Monday (July 5) to join in the party.

It was a double celebration for the £12 million white-knuckle ride, as sponsor Pepsi confirmed its backing with a new five-year deal.

West End star Sasha Millard, who is currently appearing in Blackpool's Mystique show, serenaded the 235-feet high rollercoaster with a special rendition of Happy Birthday.

But it was illusionist Richard De Vere who made sure that the occasion went with a bang thanks to a death-defying Russian roulette-style birthday stunt.

De Vere connected five numbered leads to a detonator, strapping three to confetti-filled dustbins, one to a giant birthday cake - and tying the other round his neck.

He then invited the crowd to choose four of the leads to be detonated.

Pleasure Beach boss Geoffrey Thompson and Simon Lowden of Pepsi UK joined forces to cut the birthday cake.

Mr Thompson said: "This is the most significant structure in Blackpool since the Tower was built in 1894. We already have the best wooden rollercoaster in the Grand National and now we've the best in steel in the world."

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