A HAMPSHIRE theme park has today won the right to keep one of its controversial roller coasters.

Paultons Park lost a battle earlier this year to retain the Cobra and Edge rides after it was revealed they were installed without planning permission.

But this morning the Ower-based amusement park was given the green light to keep one of the multi-million pound attractions.

It means the 18-meter high Cobra, complete with its control building, catering kiosk and photography booth, can stay put.

A joint application to retain the two rides was thrown out in October.

Members of New Forest National Park Authority's Planning Control Committee were told that neighbours had complained about the noise of screaming children.

However, a separate application - solely to retain the Cobra - was approved this morning at the NPA's head quarters near Lymington.

For the full story read tomorrow's Daily Echo.