IT WAS three, two, one...lift off when I joined one of Britain's most controversial couples on the first ride of Southport Pleasureland's Space Shot.

Neil and Christine Hamilton cut the ribbon to open the new 150ft tower ride before trying it out for themselves. And after I had watched them on their third go, I decided this would be a piece of cake.

I must admit I was rather excited. Theme parks have always been my idea of heaven. The anticipation as the rollercoaster climbs the track, and the adrenaline as your stomach flips over on the way down. So I thought I'd feel quite at home on this new ride, where 12 seated riders are flung 150ft in just a few seconds.

As I waited for my turn, I giggled at riders' faces as they were catapulted into the air, and when it was my turn, I ran like a five-year-old to my seat and waited to be locked in.

It was then that I began to feel a little nervous.

I was so tightly secured by a park attendant that I could hardly breathe and, once all the riders were securely belted up, the Space Shot began to rise very slowly, preparing for lift off.

I gulped as I remembered this ride is capable of four positive G on the way up, and one negative G on the way down -- just like being ejected from a fighter plane. Gripping the sides of my seat I tried to mentally prepare myself, but before I had the chance, I was hurtling vertically at 80mph to the top of the tower.

I tried to prise my eyes open to take in the view of Southport -- but I didn't get the chance as I was pulled back down the tower at the same exhilarating speed.

The feeling as the ride dropped back down to earth was unnatural. My body had left the seat and I felt like I was just falling -- not attached to anything.

Just as I thought: "Wow that was good, but I'm glad it's over", I was whipped back up to enjoy the experience all over again.

If you're a thrill-seeker then the Space Shot is a sure shot, and Southport is the place you need to go to this summer.