Other holiday companies that operate in Hemsby and beyond were keen this week to stress that the holiday honeypot was still as popular and ever.In a bid to distance themselves from Pontin's woes, and perhaps mop up any business, several companies moved to gain their share of the limelight by announcing good booking figures, investments and upgrades.

Other holiday companies that operate in Hemsby and beyond were keen this week to stress that the holiday honeypot was still as popular and ever.

In a bid to distance themselves from Pontin's woes, and perhaps mop up any business, several companies moved to gain their share of the limelight by announcing good booking figures, investments and upgrades.

The Richardson's Group which owns Hemsby Beach, Caesars Arcade and Seacroft Holiday Village as well as various shops in Beach Road said it was continuing to invest in its sites.

Greg Munford, group general manager said he was surprised Pontin's was pulling out, adding: “Our Hemsby sites are some of our most popular.”

He said the company had invested �3.6 million in the area over three years and believed Hemsby would always provide a big draw.

Although a new entertainment centre planned for Beach Road was being put on the back burner until the economy picked up, the company hoped to redevelop Seacroft and Hemsby Holiday Villages adding luxury lodges.

It is currently in the middle of a six month refurbishment of the chalets at Hemsby Beach.

A spokesperson for Haven Holidays which has four holiday parks in the Great Yarmouth area, said: “We are sorry to hear about the Pontin's park at Hemsby. Although Haven and Pontin's are rivals we are all part of the UK holiday industry and our joint interests are in a thriving, healthy market that attracts customers.

“Despite the economic difficulties we are planning our usual round of recruiting from February in time for our season starting in March. We are also continuing our investment programme with millions being spent over the winter period on our holiday parks. “We are spending �1 million on a new space-age arcade at Caister Holiday Park in addition to �1.2 million we spent at the park last year. Also our early bookings for 2009 are very promising.”

The four Haven holiday parks in Yarmouth, Caister, the Wild Duck at Belton, Seashore on the seafront and Hopton Holiday Village employ almost 1,000 people during peak season, many of them on a seasonal basis. Hundreds of jobs will be on offer this year including around 150 at Caister Holiday Park.

Anyone interested in vacancies with Haven can ring the holiday parks direct or visit www.bournejobs.

co.uk. For more information about Haven holiday offers visit www.haven.com