Brothers Victor and Henry Mears have been told they face jail after being convicted of their roles in misleading thousands of customers into visiting a Lapland-style theme park at Bristol Crown Court.

Jurors found them guilty of five charges of engaging in a commercial practice which was a misleading action.

They later returned guilty verdicts on a further three counts of engaging in a commercial practice which is a misleading omission.

The park ran over Christmas 2008 at Matchams, near Ringwood.

Visitors to Lapland New Forest were offered a winter wonderland with snow-covered log cabins, a nativity scene, husky dogs, polar bears and other animals, as well as a bustling Christmas market.

But instead of the promised magical festive treat, visitors experienced fairy lights hung from trees and a broken ice rink, jurors were told.

Hundreds or readers jammed the Daily Echo switchboard with complaints. We started a petition to get customers their money back and numerous facebook groups were set up in objection to the park.

The brothers stood expressionless in the dock as the jury foreman returned the guilty verdicts after a day of deliberations.

Prosecutor Malcolm Gibney outlined Victor Mears' previous convictons, which include prison sentences for obtaining money transfer by deception, VAT evasion and conspiracy to defraud.

Henry Mears has no previous convictions relevant to this case, the court heard.

Mr Scarmardella said Henry Mears would welcome adjournment for sentence.

"This is a man who has been working his whole adult life," he said.

"There are many people who wish to say positive things and there are people who wish to write testimony."

Addressing Victor Mears, who defended himself during the trial, Judge Horton advised him to obtain further medical reports that might help in passing sentence and to be honest with the probation service.

"This is absolutely your last opportunity to give a full and frank disclosure of what you say is the background to this," the judge told him.

The brothers were released on bail until sentencing. Neither commented as they left court in a car driven by Victor Mears's son.