TATTON Park has confirmed it will be closed to the public today, Saturday.

This is due to damage caused by Storm Arwen, which the park says has ‘left a trail of destruction’, including a loss of power.

The Met Office warned of the danger the storm could pose, issuing a yellow weather warning for strong winds in the region.

The weather warning came into force in the north west from 9am yesterday, Friday, and will remain in place through to 6pm this evening.

Tatton Park says it is hopeful it can welcome visitors again tomorrow.

A post on the park’s social media account read: “Estate teams have come in to prepare for the day ahead to find Storm Arwen has left a trail of destruction, and we have no power and lots of debris to clear up.

“We are so sad to have to keep our gates closed today, but safety for our visitors and staff is paramount.

“We are even more sad to cancel our first day of Father Christmas visits at the farm and garden visits for 'One Snowy Night' Percy The Park Keeper trail in the gardens.”

It adds: “Keep an eye out on our social channels this weekend. We hope that the weather calms to safely welcome festive visitors back tomorrow, when the forecast is looking much calmer.

“We are so sorry to disappoint our visitors today, and for many the storm has caused much chaos.

“We hope you stay safe and warm, just like Martha's new little piglets, wherever you are and we look forward to welcoming you back to the park safely another day.”

Father Christmas tickets will be automatically refunded for today's visit to the farm. Tatton Park says this was a sold-out event, and unfortunately it cannot move ticketholders to another date.

One Snowy Night tickets for the gardens will also be automatically refunded, with ticketholders able to book another date and time.

Tatton Park says it has lots of availability for this event, which runs until January 3, 2023.