A NORTH Yorkshire theme park is to be prosecuted after a seven-year-old boy was launched 30ft from a ride and left fighting for his life.

The young lad was injured on the Twister rollercoaster at Lightwater Valley Theme Park near Ripon,in May last year.

He was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary with life threatening head injuries.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has confirmed that it will prosecute the operator of the theme park.

An HSE spokesman said: “Following the investigation by HSE, Lightwater Valley Attractions Ltd, of Sherborne, Dorset, will face a charge under Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

“HSE is currently liaising with Leeds Magistrates’ Court to fix a first hearing date.”

The Lightwater Valley website describes the Twister ride as: "An awesome, fun-packed experience for all the family, with passengers boarding a strange waltzer-shaped ride car and heading on an epic ascent to the treetops!

"Giving riders the impression that they might not make it around the next corner, with the threat of plummeting into the treetops being a constant source of tension for parents (and amusement for the kids).

"With serious amounts of anticipation, tight turns and swift drops, watch out for the ride cars unhooking on the lower level as the spinning steps up a gear."