A Christmas fundraising event in Milton Keynes that was raising money for disability charity Papworth Trust has been cancelled after receiving complaints.

After the Winter Wonderland event opened on Saturday its Facebook page was flooded with angry comments from visitors complaining about the skinny teenage Father Christmas in cheap costumes and the ‘ice rink’ which was condemned as a few plastic sheets.

The Papworth Trust released a statement saying that it was not the organiser of the event but had decided to withdraw its association.

It stated: “We are sorry to hear about people’s experiences at Winter Wonderland MK. We were concerned to hear the public's feedback on the opening day, and we decided to withdraw our volunteers and our association with the event.

“As the benefiting charity, we were hoping that this event would raise at least £7,000 for our work helping disabled and older people. Our focus now is on fundraising to replace that money.”

Organiser Lorenzo Franco said 200 people had been refunded after complaints that the advertising was misleading and that it had disappointed children and families.

The Parks Trust, the charity which looks after Campbell Park where the event took place, released a statement. It said: “We are very sorry to hear that some people have had such a disappointing experience at Winter Wonderland MK.

“We have been in touch with the organisers of Winter Wonderland MK who have advised us that regrettably they have now cancelled this event.”