A popular Kent tourist attraction is set to close today, despite an online petition to save it.

Farming World, which has been running in Faversham for 25 years, is being forced to close.

Bosses revealed they have been given official notice to leave the family-run venue, in Nash Court.

But, as we revealed earlier this week, the attraction is set to reopen next year under new management.

Michael Older, who bought the land in 2011, says he has no plans to develop the land and Farming World will reopen next Easter.

As the attraction - in Boughton, near Faversham - prepares to close its doors for the winter today, he claimed it will be bigger and better than before.

A petition launched online had hoped to throw a vital lifeline to the family hotspot.

Neil Harris, from Chatham, said: "Where else can our children go and learn about farms, farm animals and what goes on to bring food to the table?

"This needs to be saved so that my children have a sense of balance when they look at food production and don't think food is created by the supermarkets."

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And Louise Horton, from Whitstable, dubbed Farming World an "amazing place".

"Where else can our children go and learn about farms, farm animals and what goes on to bring food to the table...?" - Neil Harris

She added: "A wonderful family day out with happy well loved animals, and the staff are great too......Please keep it open x"

Farming World has been running for 25 years, but the land was bought earlier this year by a developer.

Farm boss Georgina Watson said it has now been given notice to leave by the end of December.

It is not yet clear what will happen to the land or the attraction's animals, which include pigs, cows, horses, sheep and goats.

The closure follows a week-long Halloween celebration during half-term.

Georgina said: "It is with great sadness that we will be closing the farm on November 3.

"We would like to thank all the people who have visited us over the years and have supported us. We will take many happy memories away with us."

Farming World was originally run by Georgina's parents, John and Maggee Johnson, and started life at Homestall Farm - opposite from its current location.

In 1994, the couple moved Farming World to its current site so they could expand and create more permanent facilities.

John and Maggee continued to run the farm for 16 years with help from Georgina and son Thomas.

Georgina and her husband Darren took over running the venue in 2010.

Picture gallery: Farming World over the years