Alton Towers Resort unveiled the eagerly-awaited transformation of Britain's most-cherished rollercoaster today with the official opening of Nemesis Reborn.

Fans journeyed from across the country to be among the first to experience the heart-pounding attraction which hits top speeds of 50mph and G Forces of 3.5.

The past 18 months have seen a comprehensive makeover of the iconic coaster that first opened in 1994.

The Northern Echo: Imogen Tasker-Meachen, 14, Lily Mae Harper, 15, Eden Smith, 18, and Liam Murphy, 15, experience the first ride of the day at the opening of Nemesis Reborn at Alton Towers Resort, as the 18-month project to transform the rollercoaster is completedImogen Tasker-Meachen, 14, Lily Mae Harper, 15, Eden Smith, 18, and Liam Murphy, 15, experience the first ride of the day at the opening of Nemesis Reborn at Alton Towers Resort, as the 18-month project to transform the rollercoaster is completed (Image: PA MEDIA)

Now known as Nemesis Reborn, the entire 250-tonne, 716-metre-long track has been replaced. In addition, new state-of-the-art audio-visual technology brings the creature that gives the ride its name vividly to life, plunging visitors into a uniquely immersive experience from the outset.

Eden Smith, 18, was first in the queue this morning in a homemade costume. After experiencing the first ride, she said: “It was so cool. I loved going through the mist. The theming is so amazing.”

The Northern Echo: Fans experience one of the first rides of the day at the opening of Nemesis Reborn at Alton Towers Resort, as the 18-month project to transform the rollercoaster is completedFans experience one of the first rides of the day at the opening of Nemesis Reborn at Alton Towers Resort, as the 18-month project to transform the rollercoaster is completed (Image: PA MEDIA)

The iconic corkscrews, nerve-shredding drops and four full inversions of the original Nemesis captured the imagination of thrillseekers globally from the moment it opened.

Crowned Europe’s first inverted rollercoaster, during its original incarnation it travelled over 800,000 miles, carrying more than 52 million people.

Bianca Sammut, Divisional Director at Alton Towers Resort, said: “Today marks the culmination of an extraordinary project - to transform Britain’s most-loved rollercoaster for a new generation.

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“The original Nemesis rollercoaster has been cherished for three decades, making this project a real labour of love for everyone involved in it.

“Today we’ve seen an extraordinary buzz across the park as we finally unveiled Nemesis Reborn to guests.

“Judging by their reaction we’re confident we’ve created a worthy successor that will captivate thrill-seekers for generations to come.”