SOUTHEND’S much-loved Adventure Island is toasting yet more success by being ranked among the top 10 per cent of theme parks worldwide, and notching up a coveted award following plaudits from thrill-seekers.

Adventure Island, in Western Esplanade, on Southend seafront, is celebrating after winning a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.

The award recognises businesses that earn consistently great reviews, and winners are among the top 10 per cent of listings on TripAdvisor.

A spokesman for Adventure Island said: “We are thrilled to announce that Adventure Island is a TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award winner, ranking in the top 10 per cent worldwide.

“A massive thank you to our incredible guests for the amazing reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. See you this summer for more excitement and thrills.”

The latest accolade comes as Adventure Island is also nominated for eight categories in this year’s UK Theme Park Awards - including Vertigo as best new attraction.

Liam Bailey, 34, is a huge theme-park enthusiast from Clacton, and travels across the UK to try out all sorts of rides.

He said: “I have been visiting Southend’s Adventure Island since I was at school and have continued to do so into my adult life. Adventure island is the main reason for our visits to Southend. It has been brilliant growing up with Adventure Island, seeing it evolve, and having childhood memories which have continued into adulthood is amazing.

“It is one of the highlight amusement parks for us in Essex, and I am always excited to visit this brilliant attraction. It stands out for its amazing selection of rides, for thrill-seekers and families, whilst keeping it fresh by adding new attractions and rides all the time. Its amazing staff team always keep the park alive and fresh, too.”

Clare Varley, from Southend, has been visiting Adventure Island with her son Lex for 25 years.

She said: “He has severe autism and learning difficulties and Adventure Island is still his favourite place in the world. It is very different from how it was when we first went, with some major new thrill rides added to the collection. It is great to see how it has evolved and we will be regular visitors for years to come.”

As a business at the heart of the community, Adventure Island is a huge employer. Back in June, Adventure Island hosted their “biggest” ever recruitment day. Hundreds of school leavers packed out the theme park in a bid to secure a job for the summer season.