A family attraction near Hitchin has found itself in the national spotlight after its unusual Titanic-themed children's ride was featured by BBC News.

Graveley Fruit Farm, just a few miles from Hitchin, has defended the attraction following criticism on social media that a ride based on one of history's most famous maritime disasters is in poor taste.

The story has now been picked up by the BBC, bringing national attention to the popular local fruit farm.

The attraction consists of a replica ship which lifts at one end before children slide downwards on a mat.

More than 1,500 people died when the real RMS Titanic sank in the North Atlantic in April 1912 after hitting an iceberg during its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York.

The BBC reports that around 500 people a day use the Graveley attraction, which was constructed using repurposed materials from the farm, including hoops from strawberry polytunnels and an old tipper trailer.

The ride has prompted debate online, with some people describing its theme as inappropriate given the scale of the disaster.

However, farm manager Will Campbell-Gray has defended the attraction, telling the BBC: "We're keeping the memory of Titanic alive and we're not making fun of the dead at all."

He also argued that the attraction has an educational element, saying some children with a particular interest in the Titanic enjoy visiting and sharing their knowledge about the ship.

The controversy is not entirely new.

Following complaints last year, the farm had signs produced to rename the attraction "The Big Tipper".

However, Campbell-Gray said the proposed change resulted in an even stronger reaction from people who wanted the Titanic name retained, including threats received through the farm's social media account. The farm subsequently decided to keep the original name.

Campbell-Gray said the intention had never been to cause offence and that the possibility of a backlash had not occurred to those behind the attraction when it was built.

On its website, Graveley Fruit Farm continues to promote the Titanic-themed attraction as one of its activities for families.

It says: "Climb aboard and hold on tight! Our Titanic-themed slide lifts you up before sending you gliding down on a mat for an exhilarating ride.

"It's a unique, thrill-filled experience you'll want to try again and again."

The attraction costs £2 for one go or £5 for three goes and is open at weekends and daily throughout the school holidays.

Children under five must be accompanied by an adult.

The debate has now spread well beyond North Hertfordshire, with the story attracting widespread attention after being featured by the BBC.

Despite the controversy, there appears to be no plan to sink the Titanic attraction for good, with the ride continuing to welcome families during the summer holidays.