SCORES of people have taken to social media to vent their frustration after visiting a winter gala in Barrow which they claim was "not at all what was anticipated".

Families travelled to Hawcoat Park today for the first day of a three-day 'Winter Wonderland' event, but many were left disappointed about the lack of attractions for children and wanting a refund.

The inaugural gala was billed as "Santa's magical grotto" and to include an ice rink, German markets and entertainment.

Tickets cost £10 per adult, £5 per child and £25 as a family, but one man said he was "in and around in about five minutes".

One woman told Hawcoat Park on Facebook said: "It looks nothing like the pictures you used to advertise this event."

And another said: "Honestly was nothing there, no one operating the fairground rides (which cost extra anyway) ice rink which has puddles on from the rain, and that was about it."

A statement issued on the Hawcoat Park Winter Wonderful Facebook event page said there had been changes to the planned activity list due to the wet weather.

It said: "Hawcoat Park are extremely sorry to report that due to the horrendous weather we've had over the last few days this has meant we have not been able to bring you some of the advertised attractions as part of Winter Wonderland.

"The onsite team have worked tirelessly to try and deliver as much of the programme as possible however, due to the conditions we are aware that all of the attractions were not ready when we opened today.

"As a result of the issues highlighted Friday ticket holders can choose to attend either Saturday or Sunday as an alternative."

The statement went on to say that most of the programme was now up and running and the indoor craft fair was scheduled for Saturday and Sunday from noon until 6pm.

As of 8pm, a total of 117 people had commented on the Facebook post.

Some people defended the event organisers on social media, with one post saying: "There is nothing they can do about the weather, they're trying to make everyone happy in a bad situation."