Parkdean Holidays has released interim results for the half year to 25 April showing turnover up nearly £2m to £11.2m compared with the same period in 2002.

However, the park operator produced an operating loss of £2.5m for the half year – compared with a loss of £1.8m for the same period in 2002 – much of the increased loss being due to 20 weeks of winter losses at the Ruda Holiday Park being included for the first time.

A pre-tax loss of £3.8m for the period compares favourably with a pre-tax loss of £5.4m in 2002.

Shortly after the half year ended, Parkdean bought Pactrem for £13.1m, resulting in the company acquiring two further holiday parks in Cornwall. Between them, the two parks – near Newquay and on the Lizard Peninsula – have added a further 25 per cent to Parkdean’s hire fleet, now consisting of 1,984 units.

Advance hire bookings for the 2003 season continue to be strong, with like for like revenue up 11.5 per cent on last year.

Parkdean chair, Graham Wilson, said: "We have maintained and improved our parks during the winter, expanded the estate by the two parks in Cornwall, arranged funding to permit future acquisitions and the group is trading well for the coming summer season. We are confident of a highly satisfactory outcome for the year." Details: www.parkdeanholidays.com