The owner of a Cornwall holiday park has spoken of his “gut-wrenching dismay” at having to cancel more than 130 free holidays for lockdown heroes in November.

Patrick Langmaid of Mother Ivey’s Bay in Padstow had pledged to give key workers the holidays as a massive “thank you” for their bravery and commitment during the continuing Covid crisis.

But with the second lockdown now pending, the no-cost stays are having to be put on ice.

“I am so desperately disappointed that we are having to cancel the free holidays that we had planned and were so looking forward to providing,” said Langmaid.

“We had hoped to be welcoming staff from the NHS, police, fire service, local foodbanks and care workers for their richly deserved breaks.

“Now, instead of preparing for their arrival, we are contacting them to let them know they can no longer come with their families and spend time with us,”  he said.

Throughout November, 137 key workers from across the UK were to be welcomed at Mother Ivey’s, and a further 21 in December at its sister-park, Martha’s Orchard in Constantine Bay.

“I am hoping that this lockdown ends on December 2 so that we can still welcome the fantastic key workers who are booked to stay at Martha’s Orchard.”