AFTER a brutal winter and chilly spring, sun-seekers made up for lost time at the weekend as temperatures reached the mid-teens and the sun shone through much of the Bank Holiday.

Bournemouth Tourism yesterday estimated that around 70,000 people were enjoying the sun on the seafront, with similar numbers on Sunday and Saturday.

A spokesman added: “It’s good for the hotels and all of the businesses on the beach and hopefully this will be the start of a decent season.

“Hotel bookings were looking fairly buoyant for the weekend and there were lots of last-minute bookings.

“It looks like a successful bank holiday weekend for the town.”

On Saturday, Sunday and yesterday temperatures were around 16-17 degrees centigrade.

After initial forecasts for an overcast and chilly weekend, it was a welcome surprise for many. Busy roads were reported as people flocked down from London and Hampshire, while the A350 into Purbeck experienced heavy traffic yesterday.

Mandy Payne, president of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, added: “I’ve been in touch with a few stores and garden centres and they’re buzzing.

“The weekend worked for them – they’ve been waiting a long time and this weekend has been very beneficial for them.

“Local traffic to the shops has been enhanced this weekend.”

Today the weather is predicted to stay sunny, with temperatures again in the mid-teens. Forecasters say that it will become slightly cooler and cloudier by the weekend.