DESIGNER David Schofield has won a top industry award for his work in scaring the Swedes!

The haunted hotel attraction David created for Sweden's top theme park has been judged an "outstanding achievement" by the American-based Themed Entertainment Association.

David works part time as creative director for the Liseberg theme park - Sweden's top tourist attraction and similar in size to Alton Towers.

The 'Spokhotellet' attraction involves eight live actors whose job it is to scare the visitors.

"It was rather like making a film. We had to come up with a credible storyline for visitors to follow and a convincing setting," explained David who runs his Quarry Fold Studios from his home in Pleasington.

The £1.5 million attraction has won the award for the smaller projects for the TEA annual presentation. David will be travelling to America in September to collect his award at a gala presentation.

David, 42, set up his own company after leaving college and has designed sets and backdrops for customers including Sir Elton John.

Closer to home, he also designed a water feature for Blackburn's Waves swimming pool. His current list of projects include helping design a science centre in Sweden.

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