The long-awaited reopening of Dreamland

The long-awaited reopening of Dreamland is finally here. The ribbon has been cut and the doors are open.

Scores of people have been queuing outside the park in Margate today to attend the restored attraction on its opening day.

After a 12-year campaign and an £18 million improvement, the wait is finally over for those who have pushed to reopen the park, which holds special memories for many.

Hundreds of campaigners, including some cast members of the BBC hit comedy Only Fools And Horses, backed the revival of the park.Vintage rides, a roller disco, pleasure gardens, restaurants, arcades and amusements all feature in the new attraction.

Those cutting the ribbon were Heather Brennan, Henry Isles's great great granddaughter (founder 1880), George Weston Wright, former scenic brakeman, David Sanger and Caz Bartlett, descendent of Lord George Sanger.

However, the park's main attraction - the Scenic Railway - is not ready in time for the reopening because of continuing restoration to its trains.

Regarded as one of the oldest rollercoasters of its kind left in the world, it was seriously damaged in an arson attack in 2008 after being shut some two years earlier.