A man has been barred from entering a park because of a policy banning single men or women without children from visiting the attraction in case they are paedophiles.

Matthew Richards travelled 25 miles to see a falconry display at Puxton Park, near Weston-super-Mare, but was unable to view the show because of the rule, which is enforced supposedly to protect children.

The grandfather and father of three grown up children had previously visited the park with his family to see the falconry displays.

Mr Richards told the Western Daily Press: "I was frankly amazed. I couldn't see anything about the rule on the brochure which I picked up at another attraction."

The ban on unaccompanied men or women in the park has apparently been in place for the past seven years and while it can be found on the park’s website it is not prominently displayed.

It is at the bottom of the prices section and is especially puzzling as the park also offers single adult membership passes.

According to the website, men and women who arrive at the park alone, but who are meeting others, must wait at reception while the other guests are summoned by tannoy announcement.

When contacted by the Independent, park employees said they would not be commenting but park managers would be issuing a statement over the coming days.

However Alistair Mead, the managing director of the park, was quoted in the local paper saying that he thought the policy was sensible and if he conducted a straw poll customers would back the decision.

"We have done our research and in line with all other parks we don't let single men or women in."