Skegness says bon voyage to pirate ship

For 43 years, the pirate ship on Skegness's Pleasure Beach has provided stomach-churning fun.

But new horizons beckon for the classic ride, which once dominated the town's seafront.

James Botton Jr, whose family established the fairground in 1965 after taking over the site from Billy Butlin, said a new, yet-to-be-revealed attraction would take its place.

He said: "Age has caught up with it [the pirate ship] and now is the time to reinvest in something new. We have sold it to a fellow showman in the UK, where they will possibly have more time and refurbish it, and bring it back to its former glory."

Botton Jr added: "It has been something you see as soon as you come onto the seafront.

"It will be sadly missed but it also gives opportunity for new attractions to come to the amusement park in the future."

Meanwhile, hundreds of fans have shared their favourite memories of the ride on social media, with people describing it as "incredible" and "one of the best".

Botton Jr said he had been touched by the nostalgic response.

"It's quite overwhelming the support we have seen," he said. "It's nice to read through all the comments... Everyone is sad it's going, but people are looking forward to something new coming."

The ship took several days to dismantle and remove by truck, leaving a space and growing speculation about what will replace it.

"All will be revealed," added Botton Jr.

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