A landmark venue has defended a decision to go ahead with a Zombie Apocalypse experience - featuring a scenario of a devastating world virus that mirrors the Ebola plague.

The Halloween "scare experience" at the Margate's Winter Gardens features a walk-through maze mocked up as an emergency station to receive the sick.

But it comes as Ebola sweeps across West Africa - leaving more than 4,500 people dead.

It has sparked a worldwide response, with passenger screening introduced this week at airports and other travel hubs in the UK.

The promotional information for the show reads: "The world has succumbed to a terrible virus. The human race is facing a very real threat of total annihilation from an unknown infection.

"To combat the spread of the virus, the British Government has established emergency screening stations in all major towns and cities.

"These screening stations can detect the early signs of the virus and have the capability of dealing with those infected. The Winter Gardens is Margate's station."

People are urged to get their "screening tickets" from the box office.

Steve Davis. managing director of Your Leisure, Winter Gardens who run the Winter Gardens said: "Unfortunately we are committed to the event as many tickets have been sold and therefore logistically difficult to cancel.

"This event was planned many months before the unfortunate events surrounding the Ebola situation unfolded.

"We by no means wish to intentionally upset or distress anyone so to prevent mis-understanding we are currently adapting our marketing messages to ensure that the message is clear that our event is for Halloween entertainment purposes."

The show runs from Tuesday, October 28, to Friday, October 31. Under 16s must be accompanied by a ticket holding adult.

Management warn that due to the nature of the walk-through maze, the event is not suitable for people in wheelchairs.

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