A STAGGERING 10,000 free tickets to Alton Towers and dozens of other attractions will be handed out to NHS staff and frontline workers across the UK.

Merlin Entertainments is donating thousands of tickets as a 'thank you' to frontline key workers, who have continued working throughout the pandemic.

The firm is known for operating major attractions across the UK including SEA LIFE, Dungeons, Lego Land and Alton Towers in Staffordshire.

The majority of Merlin Entertainment attractions reopened following the government's announcement that theme parks could reopen on July 4.

They reopened with a number of safety measures in place with reduced visitor numbers, social distancing rules and staff wearing Personal Protective Equipment.

Here's how to claim your ticket

The majority of the 10,000 tickets will be made available via the free platform ‘Blue Light Tickets' online.

NHS, social care and emergency services workers are encouraged to register for free online as soon as possible, to receive early access to the first round of free ticket allocations.

3,000 of the tickets (which come direct from Merlin) will be split equally across 30 different companies in the UK who have seen their frontline and essential workers continue to work throughout the pandemic.

'We'd like to say a big thank you'

The tickets have been donated through the firms charity Merlin's Magic Wand, which supports children and families facing challenges of serious illness and disability.

Sandra Hazel, charity head for Merlin's Magic Wand, said: “We would like to say a Big Merlin Thank You to the emergency and essential frontline workers who have played a vital role in the UK’s response to the pandemic.

"Their dedication and tireless effort is hugely appreciated by the whole nation, and we are delighted to be able to offer them a fun day out through the Blue Light Card scheme.”