Alton Towers is to create 700 jobs and 10 new rides are planned there over the next decade.

The Staffordshire theme park’s parent company Merlin Entertainments has revealed plans for its development which will add £12 million a year to the local economy.

The aim is to encourage people to stay longer, either in accommodation at the resort, or nearby.

Merlin’s divisional manager Ian Crabbe said more attractions, both family and thrill-orientated, were planned so there was simply too much to do in a single day. Alton Towers employs about 2,500 people and with sustained growth an extra 735 staff will be recruited by 2019

A new roller-coaster, code named Secret Weapon Six, is already being built on the site of the old Corkscrew.. Plans could also include a third hotel.

Between 2010 and 2014, Merlin wants to improve parking and access, install four new or replacement rides, have more overnight accommodation, and invest £80,000 in woodland management.

Over the next phase of the plan, from 2015 to 2019, a further six new or replacement rides will be built, along with possibly more overnight accommodation.