DREAMLAND Fun Park is opening its doors for the summer season next month for what promises to be its biggest and best year in recent history.

Harry Ayres, an experienced fun-park operator, is bringing at least a dozen action-packed rides to the Margate attraction.

Mr Ayres, who is leasing Dreamland for two years, will open the park on Saturday, May 21.

He said: "We should have at least 20 acres of fun here within a few weeks. We heard from a lot of people that the park plays a large part in the town and that lots of local people really wanted it to open.

"We hope those people come out and support us by visiting the park and letting people know we are here."

New attractions, including a log flume, a Mega Drop Tower, which takes people high into the sky and then drops them like a stone to the ground, and Top Buzz will be at the park, plus a circus for six weeks during the summer.

"I’m certain that will be a big draw," Mr Ayres said. "This place is going to be great and I’m really looking forward to seeing the park once it’s up and running."

Harry is also hoping to bring a helium balloon system to the town.

He said: "It takes people 500 feet into the air and allows you to see for 25 miles. We have had it at other venues in the past and it has attracted people from miles around.

"We haven’t found a good site for it yet but I hope to, as it will be an amazing sight for the people of the area and a draw that will bring others into the town."

George Webb, in charge of carrying out vital renovations to the 85-year-old Scenic Railway, will be toiling for three weeks with his team of workers to bring it back up to scratch.

"We have replaced a lot of the timber that was rotting and are also reconditioning many of the trolleys,” he said.

"Many have new brakes and we will also be giving them a coat of paint. I’m thinking about taking them back to orange. That will look lovely – nice and bright."