A once-thriving family attraction which has catered for tens of thousands of people has announced a shock closure.

Flip Out at Chatham Dockside revealed its last day of business was Sunday in a surprising announcement which left some customers reeling.

It said: "It is with a heavy heart we announce that Flip Out Chatham's last day of operating will be 4th February.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our wonderful staff and customers for all your support over the years.”

The £1m trampoline park opened to the public in November 2016 with owner Mark McGill announcing he had teamed up with the Kent Sports Trust Foundation to offer trampoline sessions to primary schools.

The 18,500 sq ft park was opened by Chatham MP and sports minister Tracey Crouch and paralympic skiing gold medallist Charlotte Evans.

The centre created 40 jobs, and as well as a host of trampolines it had a 7m tumble track, free running area, an under-fives area and foam pit.

Customers expressed their sadness at the sudden closure, with one stating: “Such a shame! My daughter used to love it here. She had her 9th birthday party there.”

Another added on Facebook: “I’m sorry to see you’re closing. Though I don’t live in Medway anymore, when I lived in Rochester, my daughters and I had a lot of fun times at Flip Out. Good memories. So, thank you to all the staff at FO and I wish you all the best.”

The family attraction enjoyed a respectable 4.5 out of five on review site Tripadvisor.

Boasting more than 150 'excellent' reviews - the website's highest rating - Flip Out was highly regarded for its ability to cater for all ages.

Recalling his visit, Paul Redsell wrote: "From the moment we entered the venue we were greeted with a warm smile and a friendly hello.

"The whole set-up is excellent, with great trampolines, superb foam pits and a fantastic inflatable section. The staff are brilliant and organised games for the children which was unexpected."

Calling the centre a 'toddler heaven’, another review wrote: "We had a lovely relaxed stay and okay session.

"Not too busy, so much safer for toddlers and less overwhelming.

"I love seeing my son so happy when he's bouncing and sliding."

In March last year the park made headlines when it announced it was to go cashless.

In 2019 it launched a sleepover programme giving young visitors the chance to actually sleep in the trampoline park.

The company boss said at the park’s opening one focus was to “encourage more and more children to exercise".

Flip Out began with outdoor trampoline parks throughout Australia in 2012 and progressed into colder climates with indoor facilities, of which the closest is currently in Ashford.