Dreamland has been awarded runner-up for the Best Family Theme Park award, second only to Universal Studios Orlando.

The accolade, run by Family Traveller Awards, is voted for by the public and Dreamland was nominated by Thanet District Council.

A Dreamland spokesman said: "Being awarded runner up for the Best Family Theme Park award is absolutely brilliant news for Dreamland and puts Margate on the map once again with the travel industry.

"We are delighted to have been nominated alongside such fantastic attractions and would like to thank Thanet District Council for nominating us and the public for voting for us!"

The park was shortlisted against the following for the award - Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm, Chessington World of Adventures, Diggerland, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Europa-Park, Efteling, Legoland Windsor, The Green Planet, Paultons Park, Peppa Pig World, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay and Walt Disney World, Orlando.

John Challis, who played Boycie in hit TV series Only Fools and Horses, commended the park's success.

He tweeted saying: "Congratulations! What at an accolade. Onwards and upwards!"

The theme park was the centre piece of the show's iconic eighth Christmas special in 1989, The Jolly Boys' Outing, which saw Del, Rodney and Uncle Albert take their mates on a 'beano' to Margate.

Cllr Wells, leader of Thanet District Council, commented: “We are absolutely delighted that Dreamland was awarded runner up in the Best Theme Park category at the Family Traveller Awards.

"It is such a fantastic destination and hugely popular with families from Thanet and beyond.

"Since it reopened it has helped to put Margate firmly back on the map.

"Although the nomination was made by Thanet District Council, it’s voted for by members of the public.

"It is testament to all the fans of Dreamland who took the time and effort to vote that it achieved such a great result.”