Skegness pleasure beach founder Jimmy Botton dies aged 86

The founder of a Skegness seaside attraction has died at the age of 86, his family has said.

Jimmy Botton established Botton's Pleasure Beach in the resort in 1965 after taking over the site from Billy Butlin.

His son, James (Jimmy) Botton, said his father, who started out as a travelling showman, had "touched the lives" of so many people.

He was quite simply "a very nice man", he said.

Mr Botton said, despite retiring 12 years ago, his father would visit the park most days, and knew everybody's name.

"If he could help you out in any way he would, and his job was just entertaining people."

He was "one of a kind", he told BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

Scores of people took to social media to offer their condolences and share memories of the park.

It was a "big part" of many people's lives, one person wrote on Facebook.

"I personally spent a lot of my youth there," they said, adding: "What an exceptional legacy you have left Jimmy."

Another wrote: "Thank you for sharing such a lovely funfair.

"You can look on with pride of seeing so many young happy smiley faces."

Former members of staff also paid their respects, with one saying he was the "best boss" to work for.

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