Families are voicing their disappointment at the theme park’s closure after 48 years.

The Flambards theme park in Helston, Cornwall, was announced on Monday. close the doors immediately Due to “increasing costs and a steady decline in visitor numbers”.

After the announcement, many people shared their memories and expressed their sadness about the decision.

These included Chris Bates and his family, who said their regular visits to the theme park had a positive impact on them, describing the park as a “paradise”.

Mr Bates, from Stafford, his partner Amy Gauntlett and children Phoebe and Jake Bates said they had lost count of how many times they had visited.

The trips were particularly important to 11-year-old Phoebe, who said going to Flambards helped her get through tough times at school.

“We were mostly going to Cornwall for Flambards so I’m really sad it’s closing,” she said.

Phoebe’s father added that he was sorry to see the park close and the staff “who have become part of their family.”

Mr Bates said: “Flambards was like our sanctuary from the stresses and strains of life.”

Andrew Guttridge said he had fond memories of visiting Flambards as a child; these included riding the log flume 10 times in a row during one trip and meeting South West Television rabbit mascot Gus Honeybun.

Mr Guttridge, who lives in Leicester, said it would be great if the park was saved.

“It would be great if someone could save it, but my concern is whether that would be possible given the cost of living and the fact that so many places are struggling,” the former pupil of Penair School in Truro said.

Jessica Morgan, who grew up in St Agnes, said Flambards was the most exciting theme park in Cornwall during her childhood and was “the number one destination for birthday parties”.

“I was really sad when I heard it was closing,” said Ms Morgan, who now lives near Bath.

“I actually took my own kids there and they wanted to go again.”