BOLTON roller-coaster addict Simon Baynham stepped off the Big Dipper after a gruelling 36-hour marathon and said: "I'd do it all again."

The 28-year-old completed his non-stop stint on the 79-year-old roller coaster on Blackpool Pleasure Beach at 3am.

Despite admitting to sickness and trouble sleeping, coaster-crazy Simon, of Stonechurch, Cannon Street, was full of enthusiasm.

"I would definitely do it again," he said, "the highlight was just being allowed to take part at all."

Under the rule of the Big Dipperthon, Simon was only allowed five minutes break every hour, and had to eat drink and sleep on board the ride.

"The first 12 hours were the worst," he said. "Sleeping on the Big Dipper is quite difficult. It's like being rocked by an over-enthusiastic babysitter."

And while Simon revels in life going downhill fast -- and has been on the Big Dipper more than 6,000 times to prove it -- he concedes that not all went smoothly.

He said: "Eating and drinking was difficult because my stomach refused to co-operate, and would only take on a little at a time.

"I felt better when my metabolism calmed down and adjusted to the environment."

Part time lecturer Simon, editor of the European Coaster Club's magazine, has come a long way since his first roller coaster ride as a seven year old reduced him to tears.

He eventually hopes to emulate American world endurance record holder Richard Rodriguez, who is currently half way through a mind boggling three months on the Big Dipper.

"Richard has been a great source of encouragement to me," said Simon.

Money raised in sponsorship will go to International Children's Charity 'Give Kids The World'.