A devastated fan of the Chessington World of Adventures Bubbleworks ride has changed his name by deed poll in memory of the attraction before it closes down in September.

The resort announced last week the 26-year-old ride would close down on September 6, but could not say what would be replacing it.

Superfan Oli Matthews, 27, from Kingston, is changing by deed poll to Professor Burp, after the iconic character from the Bubbleworks Factory, to try and change the theme-park’s mind.

He said: “I’ve been visiting Bubbleworks every year with my family since I was a baby and am totally gutted to learn that it will be permanently closing.

“I know I needed to do something to try and make Chessington change their mind on this shocking decision, so I applied to change my name to ‘Professor Burp’ in memory of the ride.”

Three online petitions with more than 3,000 collective signatures are calling for the resort to revert its decision.

But Tim Harrison Jones, divisional director at the theme park, said although they had received an “overwhelming” response to the news that the ride will close, they would still look to bring a new attraction in its place.

Before the ride closes, fans can join the theme park’s Sunday evening Bubbleworks Behind the Scenes Tours, running from August 14 to September 4, where each fan will receive a goody bag and Bubbleworks badge.

A silent charity auction will also sell-off props and memorabilia from the ride. For more information, e-mail bubbles@chessington.co.uk.