A new £5million indoor play area at Adventure Island will be open this Easter, it has been revealed.

The theme park on Southend seafront unveiled plans for the new indoor zone last February, contaning five new rides, games, entertainments, and food outlets.

The new area, which is currently being constructed on the site of the old Blackbeard's Galleon, will create 100 jobs when it opens.

The park's managing director Marc Miller said: “We’ve gone for a mixture of traditional attractions with fun activities that will appeal to youngsters.

"So, you’ll see a traditional ‘galloper’ carousel, Smiles Per Galleon - the swinging ship, everyone’s favourite – a classic ‘Choo Choo’ train, Bouncing Buggies – which is a six-car ride and what we call a ‘twist-drop tower’."

For youngsters, there will be a soft play area, as well as games and arcades.

The firm has also launched a competition where residents can name the tower, with the winner being the first person to ride it, as well as getting a free yearly family pass.

Mr Miller added: “We’ve launched ‘Name Our Ride’ in a bid to find a great title that reflects all the excitement and fun it offers, whilst capturing the essence of what it actually does.

"We’re offering an Annual Family Pass to the winner, plus the money-cannot-buy chance to be the very first person to experience it and officially declare it open.”

If you have an inspired idea, simply post a tweet or message on Adventure Island’s Twitter and Facebook pages, using the hashtag #AdventureInside.

The closing date for entries is Sunday 1st March.

For more information, visit www.adventureisland.co.uk