A TRIP to a theme park should give the illusion of danger and a rush of adrenaline while in reality you are completely safe.

Let's face it, most of us go to Alton Towers for the white-knuckle rollercoasters that give you that sensation.

But following the horrific incident on The Smiler when two carriages collided on June 2 that concept of safety was challenged.

Four riders were seriously injured while 17-year-old Leah Washington had her leg amputated.

Weekend visited Alton Towers on Monday on the day the resort reopened its gates.

There was an expectation that the atmosphere may be a little subdued with The Smiler incident casting a shadow on the park.

But if anything it was the opposite. Tickets were handed out with a smile at the gates thanking customers for their loyalty by offering visitors the chance to return again any time for free until November.

It was at least an acknowledgement of what had happened while there also seemed an effort to put the 'magic' back into the park with entertainers seen throughout.

The 'X-Sector' is currently closed while the Health and Safety Executive investigation continues so that meant the Oblivion ride and, of course, The Smiler was out.

The Spinball rollercoaster is also shut while new safety procedures are rolled out.

But that still leaves some of the best rides you will find in the UK like Alton Tower's flagship rollercoaster Nemesis as well as Air, Rita and Thirteen full of multimillion pound twists, loops, jolts and surprises.

Yes, after what happened it is a natural to have a little pause for thought as you are strapped in to these high speed rides but it is also worth keeping in mind that what happened on The Smiler is the theme park's first major incident in its 35-year history.

There was no room for complacency with what seemed like a significant number of extra staff double or triple checking everything.

CBeebies Land for youngsters, complete with the likes of Postman and In The Night Garden rides, is also great if you are looking for a day that will suit the whole family.

Ultimately what happened at Alton Towers has been devastating for the victims and that cloud is not going to lift any time soon.

But on a fundamental level Alton Towers remains as probably the best theme park in the UK and one we still felt safe at.

DAVID MORGAN