A YORK based business which designs and creates attractions across the globe has won an exclusive distribution deal with a US train ride supplier.

Paragon Entertainment has completed an exclusive five year agreement with Dallas-based Certified Value Inc.

From its headquarters in Elvington, Paragon will now distribute the firms' KidSteam range of electric trackless trains and interactive kid-powered train rides in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Commenting on the deal, Mark Pyrah, chief executive of Paragon Entertainment, said: "We are delighted to announce this agreement as KidSteam produces a fantastic range of children's train rides which have wide-reaching appeal.

"We look forward to working with KidSteam, and utilising our in-depth knowledge of distribution within these markets to further its geographic reach."

Certified Value Inc, the supplier of the KidSteam range of rides, has installed KidSteam rides in more than 40 countries around the world. The KidSteam products have featured on Disney TV and Nickelodeon TV productions.

John Hampton, Managing Director of Certified Value Inc, said: "This is an exciting step for our business and we look forward expanding our product footprint into the complementary markets in which Paragon operates.

"Working together with Paragon will enable us to continue giving kids wonderful experiences on our unique ride systems."

Paragon Entertainments is a holding company for three sub-businesses - Paragon Creative, Paragon Attractions and Paragon Licensing.

Paragon Creative designs and builds museums, visitor centres and attractions for third parties, while Paragon Attractions develops, owns and operates proprietary attractions, and Paragon Licensing licenses and distributes attractions-related intellectual property and products.

The Group's current and recent projects include the design and build of The Olympic Museum for the IOC in Lausanne, Switzerland, the design and build of Titanic Belfast, the build of the Wallace and Gromit ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and a Licensing agreement to develop Nerf-branded attractions and distribution agreements with Yu Kids and HiLo.

Last month Paragon Entertainment announced its licensing and distribution division had entered into an agreement to create the first branded play centre attraction in the UK with the BAFTA award-winning brand, “In the Night Garden”.

Under the proposed arrangement with DHX Media, Paragon will own and operate the attraction, and is currently in the process of identifying a location for the attraction, where it will also retail In the Night Garden branded merchandise.