TEENAGE thrill-seeker Tom Wales is to help make sure theme park rides are as exciting as possible in future.

Bourne End student Tom, 14, has beaten hundreds of youngsters to become a founder member of G-Force, a panel to discuss what future attractions at Thorpe Park should be.

Tom said: "I was really excited when I heard. I was jumping about and everything. I filled out the questionnaire to enter the competition but I also sent in extra designs of rollercoasters and stuff. I think that helped."

Tom joins seven other 12 to 15-years-olds in advising the theme park's senior managers.

One of his first tasks will be the launch of the world's first ten-loop rollercoaster at Thorpe Park next year. The Wye Valley School student attended a G-Force inaugural meeting on Tuesday.

He said: "We talked about future rides and the rollercoaster that is coming in 2002. We talked about merchandise we could do for the ride, like clothes. We had a tour of the park and it was brilliant because we had these badges so we didn't have to queue to get on to any of the rides."

Tom himself particularly loves rollercoasters.

Emma Hart, from Thorpe Park, said Tom had overcome tough opposition.

She said: "His application really stood out though, not least because he submitted a wonderful colour design of the kind of ride he'd like to invent, a very wet coaster where the riders stand up in their seats.

"His enthusiasm for thrill rides and theme parks jumped out at us and we're sure he'll bring a great deal of energy and imagination to the group."

Tom has also received a goodie bag, a season ticket to attractions, money to spend in the park shop and membership to the Rollercoaster Club of Great Britain.

G-Force, who will meet around four times a year, will provide members with inside access to the exciting world of theme parks and give young people a platform to influence developments.