IT’S official - Southend has the country’s most thrilling rollercoaster.

The results of flagship BBC children’s TV programme Blue Peter show Rage at Adventure Island beat competition from Thorpe Park, in Surrey, and Flamingo Land, in North Yorkshire.

Presenter Andy Akinwolere spent a day testing Rage and being wired up to a heart monitor.

The show’s resident Thrill Engineer announced live that Rage had won.

Mr Akinwolere said: “Rage offers really intense excitement all the way through.

“It’s less scary than other rides, but Rage offers really intense excitement all the way through. We had a great day.

“I can see why Adventure Island is such a big attraction. It’s a great place for families.”

Rage has dominated the Southend seafront skyline with its vivid colours and 24 metre first drop since 2007.

Riders experience four times the weight of gravity with an overhead loop, a barrel roll and then a series of tight, fast turns.