Image: Thrill-o-Matic will replace the former Gold Mine

Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the amusement park and resort owned by the Thompson Family, is to open a new £5.25m Wallace and Gromit-themed family ride experience next year.

The Thrill-o-Matic, a dark ride, is being developed in partnership by animation firm Aardman and Blackpool Pleasure Beach's design and engineering team. It will replace the former Gold Mine, which closed following the end of the 2011 season.

Visitors will experience scenes from Wallace and Gromit films including A Grand Day Out, The Wrong Trousers and A Close Shave on the four-minute ride.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach managing director Amanda Thompson said: "We know the characters will be a huge hit with the families who come and visit Pleasure Beach."

Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park added: "We are really enjoying working with the Pleasure Beach team on this new ride and new format for Wallace and Gromit."

Click here for more information about the new Thrill-o-Matic ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.