Holiday group Center Parcs says it has seen a 156% increase in its bookings since the end of the football World Cup.

Eastern Daily Press: Center Parcs at Elveden. Picture: Sonya DuncanCenter Parcs at Elveden. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

The chain, which has a park in Elveden, near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, has taken more than 2,500 bookings across the group since July 14.

Martin Dalby, chief executive of Center Parcs said: 'We always see a slowdown in bookings during a major tournament like the World Cup and obviously the nation has been gripped by England's success over the last few weeks. Now it seems suddenly people are starting think about getting away over the summer. It has been an amazing summer so far, and we hope that will continue as we welcome lots of families to Center Parcs over the coming weeks.'

Center Parcs believes that the continuing heatwave forecast has also triggered a spike in people opting to book short breaks at home instead of longer breaks abroad.

Eastern Daily Press: Treehouse holiday accommodation at Center Parcs n in Elveden. Picture: Sonya DuncanTreehouse holiday accommodation at Center Parcs n in Elveden. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Eastern Daily Press: Center Parcs at Elveden. Picture: Sonya DuncanCenter Parcs at Elveden. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)