THE new owner of an historic riverside amusement park is investing millions in new rides and facilities vowing to make the site "the best" in the Midlands.

Henry Danter bought the Shipley's Riverside Park site, closing the deal with the Shipleys family in London on January 25, before taking over on March 12.

He said: "This park means the world to me and to finally be here, looking at it, I couldn't think of anywhere better to make a living.

"It's the oldest amusement park in the West Midlands and, although it may not be the biggest, it's our intention to make it the best."

Mr Danter is bringing a nine member team in to operate rides, with sister and brother-in-law, Katie and Keith Stanworth, owners of Stanworth Funfairs, based in Stoke-on-Trent, managing day-to-day trading.

He added: "Investments will be in the millions, we've got £2million worth of equipment and rides coming in and there's no limit to what we'll be putting in - we're proud of that."

At least six new rides are being delivered, including Remix, The Sizzler and a mini roller-coaster while old favourites, The Dragon, dodgems and slides will be painted and cleaned.

More than 50 new arcade machines are being installed in the existing site building, including a new 21-year-old and over gambling zone offering jackpots up to £500, and there are plans to renovate the ten-pin bowling alley.

Sixty-three-year-old Mr Danter, owner of Ross-on-Wye's Symonds Yat leisure site, insists the takeover is a homecoming as he first came to Stourport with Danter and Morris's Travelling Funfair in 1956.

"It was a very successful visit and the fair came back, although eventually we ceased to operate.

"However, I always had that love for Stourport and all it has to offer with the riverboats and the amusement park," he said.

He added the family is discussing outstanding plans, originally submitted by Shipley and Sons Amusements Limited but withdrawn following the site's sale, to extend the Bridge Street site and relocate rides, allowing for improvement of flood defences and installation of a toilet block, cafe and children's play area.

Mr Danter, who has more than 50 years experience in the amusements trade, is also planning to bring riverboat rides to the Stour following talks with river authority, British Waterways, and the moorings operator.

The park, re-billed as Stourport Grand Amusements, reopens this Saturday and runs until September.