SIZZLING temperatures saw Bournemouth enjoy its hottest day for more than a year today - with Springbourne recording the highest temperatures for eight years.

In Springbourne the temperature peaked at 29.9, the highest since July 19, 2006, according to local weather forecaster Jim Smith, who has been recording temperatures there since October 2000.

The mercury soared to a sweltering 30.3C at the Met Office's weather station at Hurn - the highest temperature recorded there since July 18 last year, the middle of the offical heatwave.

Sun-worshipers were in heaven as they poured to the beach to bask in the searing sunshine, while others desperately sought shade and cooled themselves off with ice-creams and drinks.

The temperature has been gradually climbing all week, with 26C recorded on Monday, 28.6C on Tuesday and 28.7C yesterday.

The weather is forecast to remains hot and dry tomorrow and through the weekend before becoming cooler at the start of next week.

On Wednesday the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms for Dorset however the failed to materialise.