Being a proud born and bred Mancunian I have for many years been frustrated at the London-centric attitudes in the UK and in particular, within the media, and so it was with some frustration that I, as usual on Thursday, March 11, scanned the excellent pages of The Times and happened upon the photograph of the so-called "Air" ride at Alton Towers, London.

Interestingly, the accompanying article referenced the opinion that Alton Tower's location contributes to its popularity. Indeed it does, because Alton Towers is actually set amidst breathtakingly beautiful Staffordshire countryside close to the delightful market town of Leek - a small matter of almost 250 kilometres from London!

That city does have wonderful attractions but I just felt inclined to alert and reassure readers about the fact that there are worthy attractions beyond the limiting confines of the M25.

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