Hundreds of jobs at towers

ALTON Towers is preparing for its earliest start to the season by launching a recruitment drive for hundreds of jobs.

The resort will open a limited number of attractions for eight days in February. The full 2010 programme will then begin on Saturday, March 20 along with the unveiling of new ride Thirteen.

Now a total of 850 vacancies are being advertised online 50 more than 2009, when a staggering 15,895 application forms were received.

Alton Towers divisional director Ian Crabbe said: "Providing job security is especially important to Alton Towers at a time when a lot of businesses are struggling.

"We feel a responsibility to the area."

Although the park currently has 2,500 positions during the summer, it has only around 800 staff working out of season.

Mr Crabbe said: "We want to create a product available for 365 days a year, although the rides themselves will not be available for the full year.

"We look towards innovations such as Shark Bay Reef and the water park, which can attract people whatever the elements."

An Alton Towers spokesman said: "Our recruitment is based on the attitude of staff, rather than qualifications. Recruitment and assessment days assess whether people fit in with the Alton Towers culture."