An aqua obstacle course has closed with immediate effect because of blue-green algae.

Aqua Park, which operated at Alton Water, has been forced to shut as a result of the discovery.

All customers booked to take part will be given refunds and the park will not reopen this summer.

The algae blooms, which form in hot weather, can release toxins which can cause skin irritation and sickness.

Last year the algae forced watersports to be suspended at Alton Water.

In a message on its website Aqua Park said: "It is with great regret that we have been informed that we cannot operate our Aqua Park at Alton Water due to rising levels of blue green algae, which means will shall be shutting down with immediate effect.

"During the winter months, Anglian Water has invested heavily in ultrasonic equipment which experts predicted would prevent the algal bloom.

"Unfortunately, this has been unsuccessful.

"While the algae is not considered to be at harmful levels at present, customer safety is our highest priority and based on the rising trend and guidance from Alton Water, we are taking the very difficult decision to permanently close Aqua Park Suffolk.

"All customers will be contacted via email today (Wednesday) We would like apologise to our disappointed customers and thank everyone who has supported Aqua Park Suffolk during its first few weeks.

"We will be automatically refund all our customers chronologically starting with today's sessions. Refunds can take up to 28 days to process, so funds should be returned to the original funding source (card) by August 8."