Thousands of visitors have flooded to Alton Towers' new Sharkbait Reef attraction for its grand opening.

Submerged in the briny waters beneath Mutiny Bay, Sharkbait Reef boasts over 300 spectacular species of fish. Swimming around in over a million litres of water, the attraction includes sharks, rays and seahorses.

Opening last Saturday, visitors flocked in their droves to the new land which contains the UK's only Tropical Interactive Pool. A specially-designed tank, the Interactive Pool allows youngsters to dip their fingers into water and touch live tropical shrimps.

One visitor, Joanne Allen told the Staffordshire Sentinel that: "We've also been to other sea life centres like the Big Blue Planet. This one is just as good."

Fully included within the admission price, thrill seekers at Alton Towers have said that it makes a refreshing break from the excitement of the white-knuckle rides.