Holidaymakers had to be evacuated from Center Parcs near Penrith after gas problems.

Earlier today visitors, including swimmers, had to be evacuated from the main buildings in the Village at Center Parcs in Whinfell Forest.

The gas supply to the main Village and holiday lodges was cut off, leaving holidaymakers with no heating or hot water.

Claire Watson, arrived at Center Parcs today after travelling down from Inverness in The Highlands for a holiday with her family and friends - together they have four children under eight-years-old.

She said: "It's affected the park quite heavily. There's no heading or hot water in the houses. We're on really limited menus.

"They are handling as well as they can."

Another visitor, Mandy Dixon, posted on Facebook: "The smell of gas in the pool near the rapids was very strong. The staff got us all out of the pool quickly.

"They handed out foil blankets and extra towels. They kept us inside as long as possible then starting evacuating us outside. Unfortunately none of the restaurants can make hot food, except kids pasta. And offering sandwiches to adults. Hopefully it'll be sorted, staff are frustrated too."

Paul Anderson also posted on the Center Parcs Facebook page, saying: "I was in pool area too with wife & two and a half-year-old and seven-months-old. Staff acted well and we were happy with the management of the issue."

But another visitor, Rachael Taylor, vented her frustration, saying: "Absolutely enraged by today's handling of things! No communication by staff, evacuated from pool very chaotic and mishandled, stood there in swimsuit with family including a baby all freezing cold.

"Then back to lodge to warm up and found no gas so no heating or cooking now and all restaurants are the same so nowhere to eat."

A spokesman from Center Parcs said: “Earlier today, the gas supply at Center Parcs, Whinfell Forest, was turned off as a precautionary measure.

"We are now in the process of reconnecting the gas supply to both lodges and central buildings, and we hope to are hope to complete the task this evening. We would like to thank our guests for their patience today."