More than 12,000 visitors flocked to the Hop Farm Family Park over the Easter weekend.

The Paddock Wood attraction was expected to close after its trading arm recently went into liquidation after financial difficulties.

But Kent Entertainment Ltd came forward last month to take over the business, and decided to open for Easter, despite only having a few days to organise the event.

The new management company also took the major decision of offering free admission to the family park, animal farm and outdoor play area for the first time.

It proved a huge success, with thousands of visitors heading along despite dismal weather.

A spokesman said: “We rose to the challenge to deliver, within a very short space of time, a fun and memorable experience for visitors to the park.

"The response has been quite overwhelming and we are really looking forward to adding new attractions to the park to make days out at the park an unquestionable choice for families in the South East and beyond."

Admission remains free to the Hop Farm Family Park, which will be open at weekends, school and bank holidays through to late autumn. Visit www.hopfarm.co.uk