The vintage chairlift at Dudley Zoo is back in the air after six months of rigorous inspections.

As part of a ten-year examination, all parts of the aerial ride, including the heavy-duty metal wheel hangers, the rope, chairs and mechanics were removed and taken away to be independently inspected and x-rayed to ensure they’re fit to run for another decade.

Zoo Manager Matt Lewis, said: “Over the last few months we’ve had specialist craftsman from all part of the country working on various parts of the chairlift.

“While it has been undergoing the tests, we’ve also taken the time to repaint the two stations and the middle tower, which all had to be done sympathetically for the age of the ride.

“We weren’t able to strip the old paint off using a sandblaster, which would have been a quicker process, as it all had to be done using a needle gun, which was really labour intensive, but necessary.

“We then colour matched the original paint to repaint it all to how it would have looked in the 1950s.

“We’re pleased to have it up and running again for the rest of the summer holidays as we know how well-loved the ride is and we looking forward to seeing a new generation of fliers enjoying it over the next ten years!”