Alton Towers Resort has worked with researchers at New Scientist to ensure its news £18m roller coaster The Smiler delivers park visitors maximum thrills.

The ride, which will reach speeds of 85km/hr along 1,170m of track, will feature "twisted psychological effects to mess with riders' minds" including blinding lights and optical illusions to maximise the fear factor.

Alton Towers aims to make visitors to feel "spaced out, or mashed up" after the ride, which opens in May.

New Scientist research commissioned by Alton Towers revealed the most thrilling rides should consist of fives acts: the set-up; the anticipation; the climax; the release; and the period of reflection when the ride has finished.

Ride consultant at Alton Towers John Wardley said: "We know people get a thrill when they ride roller-coasters, but in order to heighten that feeling of excitement we needed to design a roller-coaster that also incorporates a variety of mental cues."

"The Smiler will be different from other traditional coasters in that it will combine intense physical effects to put the body through its paces, along with the unique mental elements to mess with the mind."