BUTLIN'S resort in Minehead will remain closed until July 16, despite today's announcement from the government that theme parks can open from July 4.

With a large resort and a wide array of facilities which require guidelines to be adhered to, Butlin's will not be re-opening right away.

The resort is a major attraction in the coastal town of Minehead and its influx of visitors are important to the local economy.

Butlin's says it is taking steps to prepare staff so that the accommodation, dining, shows and activities are all completely safe ready for re-opening.

A spokesman for Bourne Leisure, which owns Butlin's, said: "We'll be significantly reducing the number of guests, and with new social distancing measures in place, drive-through check ins and stringent, more frequent cleaning procedures.

"We're adapting our resorts to ensure they're safer places so everyone can enjoy coming back to Butlin's.

"We're also updating our app to make it easier to plan your break in advance."

Butlin's has already outlined some of the measures that will be in place when it re-opens.

One-way systems will be in place around many of the shops and venues, seating has been moved to be compliant with social distancing, and paying via contactless is encouraged on site.

Elsewhere there will be numerous hand sanitiser stations around and there will now be drive-through checking in.