Shock and uncertainty has greeted the news that Helston’s Flambards theme park has been put up for sale for the first time in its 37 year history.

First established in 1976 by Douglas and Audrey Kingsford-Hale, as the Cornwall Aero Park, Flambards grew quickly from being an exhibition hall with a large collection of aviation memorabilia, aircraft and gardens, into 27 acres of rides and entertainment for all ages.

The Hornet rollercoaster and log flume are now synonymous with birthday parties for a whole generation of Helstonians.

However it is more than just a theme park, with one of its most popular attractions being the Victorian Village, recreating shops and homes from the 19th century through historic artefacts of the time.

Similarly the Britain in the Blitz is a re-creation of a street during World War II, which was officially opened by forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn in 1984.

In 2011 the hugely popular One2eleven soft play area opened and is now a weekly visit for many families with young children.

James Kingsford-Hale, the son of founders Douglas and Audrey, took over as managing director when his parents retired from the day-to-day running of the park, although his father remained chairman.

He described the decision to sell as “enormously difficult.”

In recent years his daughter Susie has been working as head of marketing, but she is getting married this year and has her own plans for the future.

“Following the passing of my mother Audrey last year and given that my father, Douglas, is now 82 and I’m 54 this year – without an obvious successor to take the reins – we feel it’s the right time to part with a business that has been an important part of our family lives,” said Mr Kingsford-Hale.

“Our greatest sadness will be having to say goodbye to our staff who have quite simply been amazing. We certainly couldn’t have achieved everything we have without them.”

He added that despite the recession, the park saw an increase in visitor numbers last year and turnover increased. “As a family we’ve spent 37 years working hard to establish it as a must-see place to visit and enjoy in Cornwall. Now it’s up to a new buyer with a fresh perspective to take the business forward,” he said.

The news of the sale has been greeted with dismay from many Packet readers online at thepacket.co.uk, with Gillian Zella Martin writing: “Gosh what a shock. That is a shame; if the eventuality is that it closes to the public, then I think the ‘old chemist shop’ should be transferred to Helston Museum.”

She also suggested that any new owners could introduce a ‘Helston Eye’, in the hope it would attract a similar popularity to that of the London version.

However, Telstar1962 wrote: “Why even think that it will close to the public? This business has been open to the public from day one, it is a success, has increasing numbers in tough times, and a beacon to show other Helston businesses what can be achieved through hard work and determination.

“Good luck to the new owners, who I am sure will keep it open!”The attraction will be marketed by Stratton Creber Commercial and Jones Lang LaSalle.

Tim Smart, director of Stratton Creber Commercial, said: “I’ve worked with the family over a number of years, advising them on property matters. I know how difficult this decision will have been for them but they are looking forward to the future.

“Building on their successes, I am confident that the attraction has a very bright future in front of it.”

John Kinsey, national director of Jones Lang LaSalle, described it as an “honour” to be appointed to deal with “one of the West Country’s major attractions.”

He added: “With the museum collection, we are expecting a lot of interest from potential purchasers nationally and internationally.”

Interested parties should contact John Kinsey at Jones Lang LaSalle’s hotel and hospitality team in Exeter or Tim Smart, director of Stratton Creber Commercial in Truro, for more information.