IT was a splashing start to 1998 when the Sandcastle complex in Blackpool opened its doors for the first time this season.

Visitors were up 15 per cent on the same weekend last year and, according to operations director John Child, the improvements which were made to the Sandcastle during the closed season played a big part.

He added: "Perhaps the mild weather also helped and I'm sure people enjoyed the tropical ambience we provide. It must have been a real antidote to the stormy conditions of the previous week."

The Sandcastle is now open at weekends from 10am with visitors welcome during the week for half-term (February 14-22) and the Easter holidays (April 4-19).

And special winter weekend prices have been introduced which can be as little as £2.40 per person for an all-day tickets.

Priority has been given to providing good family entertainment with attractions such as the Typhoon Lagoon wave pool and numerous water slides.

These include a 300ft Gentle Giant as well as the white-knuckle Barracuda and newly-transformed Serpent slide.

Younger children have a shallow pool area with water toys to play with and everything is watched over by fully-trained lifeguards.

There are also eating and drinking areas as well as poolside seats for parents to relax.

Mr Child said: "Visitors have made a number of very positive comments about the new inflatable water toys and the Serpent slide.

"The Sandcastle is is the perfect place to be on a winter's day.

"It is warm, safe, fabulous fun and great value for money."

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