Topless men barred by Southend's Adventure Island

Adventure Island in Southend has erected signs asking its male customers not to take off their tops, and says it will ask those who do so to leave.

Marc Miller, managing director, said he wanted men to "show some decorum".

The attraction holds the world record for the number of naked people riding a rollercoaster - although that event was not open to the general public.

'Family focused'

Over 100 people stripped off to ride the Green Scream at Adventure Island in 2010.Mr Miller said: "In recent years we've seen increasing numbers of lads and men whipping their tops off, eager to make the most of the sun.

"That's absolutely fine in the right environment, but we try very hard to be a family-focused business and not everybody is a fan of bare chests."

As well as setting the world record for the most naked people on a theme park ride, Adventure Island also attempted to create a new record for themost naked people to play mini golf, in 2012.

A spokeswoman said both events were held behind closed doors.

"The only people present were those who had signed up to take part in order to raise a large amount of cash for charities - Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer," she said.

"The topless ban is related to when the park is open to the public."