Holiday park operator Parkdean Holidays has announced first half pre-tax losses of £9.6m, blaming the decline partly on the introduction of truancy laws and the subsequent red-tape faced by parents wishing to take their children on holidays during school term-time.

The losses came despite an increase in turnover – from £13.2m to £19.4m – during the period.

The results were also offset by the group investing £8.2m in its estate, which grew to 20 parks from 14 last year.

Graham Wilson, chair, said: “This has been the most challenging season we can recall with a host of factors contributing to a slower booking rate – including the trend to book shorter holidays.”