New theme park attraction officially ruled 'too scary' for children

The Nemesis Sub-Terra attraction at UK theme park Alton Towers has been classified as "too scary" for children under 12 by the British Board of Film Classification.

A new attraction at Alton Towers has been deemed unsuitable for visitors younger than 12 by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).

Younger theme park goers will not be allowed on to Nemesis Sub-Terra, the theme park's new underground attraction, which is due to open in time for the Easter holidays.

Murray Perkins of the BBFC said Nemesis Sub-Terra contained "some intense moments, in some respects comparable with scary scenes which may be experienced in horror or science fiction films at '12A'/'12'."

He said the BBFC recommended that Alton Towers should classify the ride in the '12A' category, which allows for "moderate physical and psychological threat, provided that the disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained."

It is the first time that the BBFC has classified a theme park attraction. It was invited to consider Nemesis Sub-Terra by the theme park's management following feedback from a testing panel.

Katherine Duckworth of Alton Towers said: "The classification advice from the BBFC is important to ensure the wellbeing of our guests."

The attraction is described in publicity as "neither a ride, performance nor a maze...[It is] unlike anything the world has seen before – a psychologically and physically thrilling experience, taking place in a dark, intense underground setting and based around the back-story of the original Nemesis attraction, launched in 1994."

Photographs of the attraction are being kept under wraps until its opening on March 24.

- The Telegraph, London