Lapland organisers to face trial

Victor Mears was the sole director of Lapland New Forest Ltd

Two men are to face trial in connection with a Lapland theme park in the New Forest which closed after hundreds of complaints last Christmas.

The attraction at Matchams on the Hampshire-Dorset border shut down after less than a week last December.

Brothers Victor and Henry Mears, from Brighton, each face nine charges of misleading consumers.

Bournemouth magistrates committed the case for trial at the town's crown court.

The charges have been brought by Dorset Trading Standards and the brothers are accused of misleading consumers through advertisements in newspapers, on a website and in flyers.

Hundreds of people complained about the park, with many demanding refunds for the tickets, which cost up to £30 each.