It faced some obstacles along the way, but Father Christmas World in Tunbridge Wells has officially opened its doors to visitors.

The Christmas attraction, which was initially denied planning permission by the council despite having already sold tickets, is welcoming its first festive guests today.

Following talks between Markerstudy Leisure - the company behind Father Christmas World - and the council, a scaled-down version of the festive park was given permission to go ahead.

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It offers a range of activities, including a Tinsel Train, an Elf Village, a grotto, children's workshop, an ice rink and life-like polar bears and Charlie the Talking Dog and other animatronics.

Fergus Ross, head of marketing and communications at Markerstudy Leisure, said: "It's very different from the original vision and plans. Because it's different I can't really say that its better but in my opinion it a lot freer. People can find their own way around and enjoy the aspects that they really want too.

"We tried to bear in mind all the concerns that Father Christmas World Raised and we have tried to deal with this and part of that is limiting the number of people who can come along to the site each day."

Planning chiefs unanimously voted for the original application - which would have created a £2.5 million Disney-style venue - to be refused for a number of reasons, including the impact on the road network, and the effect if would have on the High Weald area and the Green Belt.

There were mixed responses from members of the public about the council's decision, with many saying Tunbridge Wells needed something to draw visitors to the town.

Following the application refusal organisers were then forced to offer refunds to all those families who had already bought tickets.

Markerstudy Leisure were originally criticised for marketing their tickets at £65 each and they were later reduced to between £25 and £35.

Video: Father Christmas World is hoping to bring the magic to children. By Jemma Collins

Father Christmas World will be open until Christmas Eve and the venue's Christmas express train will transport passengers from one end of town to the other.