The chairman of the Dreamland Trust has announced he is stepping down.

Nick Laister, who co-founded the organisation, will remain in the role until a replacement is found and will continue as the trust's director.

The Margate attraction reopened last summer, but it has since been revealed its operator is facing financial difficulties to the tune of almost £3 million.

Mr Laister said: "The Dreamland Trust launched the idea of reopening Dreamland as an amusement park of historic rides in 2007, and worked with its partners, Thanet District Council and Heritage Lottery Fund, to secure the necessary funding and deliver this project.

"With the opening of Dreamland in 2015 the Trust is now entering a new phase, where we will look to maximise the community, education and heritage benefits resulting from the project, as well as contributing to the development of other parts of the site, such as the Dreamland Cinema.

"This seemed to me to be an appropriate point for me to step down to allow a new chair to drive the organisation forward. It will also allow me to concentrate on my other commitments.”

The trust is now seeking a new chairman.

This non-executive voluntary role will involve shaping the direction of the trust, expanding its membership, and contributing to the regeneration of Margate.

Mr Laister said: "I will remain as chair until a replacement is found, and I will be continuing as a director of the Dreamland Trust.

"I remain passionate about the Dreamland project, proud of what we have achieved, and firmly believe that the Trust has a significant role to play in the future of Dreamland."

Mr Laister set up the Save Dreamland Campaign in January 2003, after successfully securing the listing of the Scenic Railway roller coaster the previous year.

He set up the Dreamland Trust in 2007 and became its first voluntary chairman, leading the Trust through its fund-raising and park development phase, through to the opening of Dreamland in June 2015.