Center Parcs UK has disposed of its non-core children’s activity business for £12m cash in a bid to focus on the expansion of its holiday villages.

3D Education and Adventure, which was established in 1991 and provides specialist outdoor education and activity courses for schools, as well as holidays and activities for unaccompanied children and teenagers, has been acquired by PGL Travel.

3D operates three sites on the south coast and in the year to April 2004 reported operating profits of £846,000 on net sales of £12m.

Centre Parcs’ CEO Martin Dalby said: “3D is a good quality business that has operated within the Center Parcs Group on a stand-alone basis for a number of years.

“However, it does not fit in with the core business of Center Parcs, which is the UK’s leading short break holiday village operator. The proceeds of the sale will be reinvested in the group to further that business.”

Earlier this month, Center Parcs confirmed it is actively looking for a location for a fifth holiday village site and said it expects to list on the London Stock Exchange by next summer. The company is currently listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM). Details: www.centerparcs.co.uk