The rollercoaster ride on which five people were seriously injured is to reopen later this month.

Two women lost a leg and three other people were seriously hurt when their carriage hit a stationary carriage on the Smiler ride at Alton Towers on June 2 last year.

One of the injured was University of Huddersfield textiles student Joe Pugh, who had serious injuries to both his legs.

His girlfriend Leah Wasington had to have a leg amputated.

READ MORE: Alton Towers victim Joe Pugh set to return to University of Huddersfield

READ MORE: Huddersfield student Joe Pugh returns to Alton Towers for first time since Smiler horror smash

The ride, which has been closed since the accident, is to reopen on March 19 when the Staffordshire theme park reopens for its new season.

The owner of the attraction is to be prosecuted over the crash.

Merlin Attractions Operation Ltd will appear at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on 22 April, the Health and Safety Executive announced last week.

Video Loading