THEME park company Gulliver’s has reported an 800 per cent increase in season ticket sales compared to this time last year.

The firm, which operates attractions aimed at children aged two to 13, believes the sharp rise in sales is down to families looking for affordable days out as a substitute for expensive foreign holidays during the economic downturn.

The tickets, which cost £49.99 per person, can be used at any of Gulliver’s attractions nationwide, including SplashZone, a water attraction launched this month at the company’s Westbrook site.