THRILL seekers will be able to try out a pioneering £500,000 white knuckle ride at the annual Burnley Fun Fair this week.

Rock Rage, the first ride of its kind in the UK, will be open to adrenaline junkies at Fulledge Recreation Ground from tomorrow.

The new ride features a giant swinging arm with a cluster of three four-seater cars at the end.

Its arm swings higher and higher, and eventually goes right over the top, at which point the ride operator releases brakes on each car and they begin to flip forward and backwards through 360 degrees.

This disorientating experience is designed to take Burney fair-goers’ breath away – whether they are riding or spectating.

Equipped with the very latest LED lighting, it has been designed to provide an even more spectacular sight at night.

Billy Hill, of The Showmen’s Guild, which organises the six-day long event, said: “Two years ago we presented a ride at Fulledge called Freak Out. Rock Rage takes the same principle but turns it on its head, literally, as the cars perform multiple somersaults whilst flying through the sky.”

Still known to many as Burnley Wakes’ Fair, the event features over 30 rides and is Lancashire’s largest summer fun fair.

The new ride is one of a trio of attractions appearing at this year’s fair built by the leading Dutch ride builder KMG.

Also new for 2010 is Super Spin, using the same style cars as Rock Rage but featuring a controlled spinning movement and not as high.

Back after making its debut last year is Speed Buzz, a 130ft-tall propeller ride.

After concerns about the state of the ground after last year’s fair, The Showmen’s Guild has worked in co-operation with Burnley Fair to ensure further improvements to the Fulledge site, which was resurfaced in 2009.

Billy said: “We were there last week for a site inspection and it was looking great. We have taken precautions this year for when the lorries arrive so that, even if its has been raining, minimal damage will be caused to the ground. No one likes mud.”

Burnley Fun Fair takes place from tomorrow to Monday. Opening times are 6pm to 9.30pm on Wednesday, 4pm to 9.30pm on Thursday, Friday and Monday, and 1pm to 9.30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Entry is free.