Awesome Foursome; Real Life Self-confessed thrill-seeker GEMMA CASTLE tries out the latest in extreme fun.

Byline: GEMMA CASTLE

AS I braced the 143 step climb only to plunge 150ft into semi-darkness, I have to admit, the nerves were really starting to kick in.

I was at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham for the launch of a new adventure guaranteed to become a craze among adrenalin junkies.

The Awesome Foursome comprises four unique experiences under one roof - a zip wire, abseil, powerfan and bungee jump.

It's the first and only place in the world to offer this intense indoor adrenaline rush and is certain to appeal to anyone with a taste for adventure.

As someone who likes to think of myself as quite the thrill-seeker, it really did exceed my expectations.

I began my experience with the zip wire, and, as I later realised, a simple warm up to what was to come. 120ft above the ground, I sailed 250ft down the wire at a thrilling 30mph to the landing zone.

Pumped up and ready for my next task, I abseiled 150ft down Magna's breathtaking Face of Steel structure, before pushing myself to the limit with the world's newest extreme experience, the powerfan.

What can only be described as a parachute jump simulator, it is the latest craze for adrenalin junkies, and Magna boasts the only one in the world that is static and stands at 150ft high.

I braced myself for the steep drop, as I was told to step over the edge and free fall almost to the ground. As I descended closer to the ground the fan kicked in and floated me to a soft landing.

It really is as exciting as it sounds and I even had to give it a go twice - it can become extremely addictive!

Finally, I took it to the extreme with the bungee jump.

After being weighed, I took the 143 step climb to the jump zone for the fourth time, and I could really feel my heart beat racing.

Having done a bungee jump before, I thought I knew what I was in for, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Standing on the edge, as the instructor counted down 3, 2, 1 and with my legs like jelly, I was mixed with a feeling of sheer excitement and dread. Luckily, I didn't have too much time to think about it, as I dived 150ft head first into semi-darkness.

Although the screams may have told people otherwise, it really was an amazing thrill, and one I think everyone should experience at least once in their lives.

The whole experience was probably one of the most exciting and exhilarating few hours of my life, and has definitely given me the adrenaline bug to do more extreme sports.

Magna joined forces with the UK Bungee Club in 2005 for the launch of The Abyss at Magna, the world's only indoor bungee jump.

Following its success, the Awesome Foursome is now fast on its heels to becoming the newest and most exciting adrenaline experiences of all time.

Matthew Beck, Managing Director of Magna, said: "It is a delight to be working once again with the UK Bungee Club who have added a new dimension to our visitor attraction. The addition of the Awesome Foursome will enhance the already successful visitor experience at Magna and entice a new market of adrenaline addicts to the centre."

I would definitely urge anyone with a sense of adventure to put the Awesome Foursome on their Christmas list this year.

All four activities will set you back pounds 100, but you are guaranteed a great day out.

What's more, the crew could not have been more helpful and reassuring. They checked my harnesses up to three times before I took part in any of the activities, and made me feel completely at ease throughout the whole experience.

If you feel you are brave enough to tackle the Awesome Foursome visit www.ukbungee.co.uk or www.visitmagna.co.uk for further information.

CAPTION(S):

FEELING A BIT ROPEY: The Awesome Foursome at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham are the abseil and zip wire (above) and the powerfan and bungee jump (below)