Bosses at a popular amusement park have announced rides will not be running this summer despite other attractions being given the green-light to reopen.

Dreamland Margate has mostly vintage rides, which means it cannot accommodate "very specific and unprecedented social distancing and safety measures" amid the coronavirus outbreak.

In a post on its website, the company says it was "a very difficult decision" but the most responsible given the global situation.

"Given that Dreamland is most popular with families - including grandparents and vulnerable groups - we do not feel there is a safe way to run the rides without putting people at risk.

"A few people have asked if could just run some of the new rides. Unfortunately, opening two or three rides would not be economical and certainly wouldn’t satisfy the demands of thousands of visitors.

"Every amusement park in the world is different, and what works for other sites won’t necessarily be right for us."

But bosses say it will be hosting a series of events - including a drive-in cinema - and it promised punters the rides will be back in the future.

They added: "Every amusement park in the world is different, and what works for other sites won’t necessarily be right for us.

"But please remember - the rides will be back. We have made a tough decision now so that the park has a future, and we would rather wait to ensure people are completely safe on our rides than rush and risk disaster.

"We promise we are working very hard to find new ways to open up more spaces to accommodate people safely."

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced theme parks could reopen on July 4.

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