PAULTONS Park is a multi-million-pound success story that provides enjoyment for thousands of families across the country.

And this year the popular attraction in the New Forest celebrates its 30th anniversary since it opened as a country park and bird gardens in 1983.

Richard Mancey, whose father John started the family adventure park, said it is down to his father’s drive and perseverance which has made the park the success it is today.

He told the Daily Echo: “Our background was solely in farming; that was all we knew, so when we were looking to developing the grounds as a country park it really was taking a gamble.”

But after a successful planning application to turn part of the estate into a visitor attraction, Paulton’s Park opened its doors to the public.

Along with four full-time members of staff, John, his wife Anne, Richard and his then soon-to-be-wife Sara, worked tirelessly to make the park a success.

And it was their ethos of hard work which was cornerstone of the park’s success three decades later, Richard said.

In the first year of opening, the park attracted 80,000 visitors – 30,000 more than they had originally hoped for.

And as more attractions were added – including the Kids Kingdom and Captain Blood’s Cavern – more visitors began coming through the turnstiles.

In 1987, John Mancey decided to make a brave investment, which saw the construction of the Rio Grande Railway, tearooms and the Magic Forest.

The next few years saw favourites including the Land of the Dinosaurs, the Astroglide, Bumper Boats, the Flying Saucer and a pets corner installed.

“We realised that people needed more to do while they were here. It’s always been at the heart of what we do – entertaining the whole family”, Mr Mancey added.

The park’s first major ride – The Runaway Train – was built just as Richard took the reins when his parents retired.

And spurred on by the reaction from visitors, more thrill-seeker rides were added with the Raging River Ride in 1999 followed by the Edge, the Cobra and more recently Magma and this year the 4D cinema.

But one of Richard’s greatest achievements he said was overseeing the opening of Peppa Pig World in 2011 which has proved to be an international draw.

Richard said: “Peppa Pig World has been the single most popular attraction.

“We were surprised it was and we are very happy. It had been planned for some years it but it has been more popular than perhaps we thought it would be.

“Peppa Pig World gives us something that is unique. Along with this and all of our other attractions, we are able to provide one of the best day visits for the family along the south coast.

“I guess if you stand back we obviously are pleased it has been a success - or relieved is another way of putting it. It is lovely to see it and is recognition for all the hard work. We really strive to ensure that we will provide families with a great day out – and enjoyable for not only the younger ones but everyone.

“Sadly my father passed away in 2003 suddenly, which was a great shock to us.

“He was a perfectionist but I think he would have been proud of what has been achieved.

“Peppa Pig World wouldn’t have been here if it was not for his drive and perseverance in the early years and we have a lot to thank him for.”