We’re open for business! That’s the message from Bournemouth after yesterday’s deluge.

Footage of Boscombe by Paul Godier

Around 200 staff from across all the council’s staff along with teams from Wessex Water and volunteers worked through the night to return the town to pristine condition ready for the today’s air festival.

And their efforts were boosted by the good weather this morning, bright warm sunshine.

Director of housing and parks, Gary Josey, who has been overseeing the clear up operation said: “It has been a fantastic team effort by everyone. You don’t often hear the term civic pride these days, but this is it.”

Two of the council staff were apprentice painters Billy Thompson, 20, and Carl Gale, 19 who helped clear the lawns. “It’s hard work,” said Billy.

“These huge brushes are a bit bigger than the paintbrushes we normally use!”

The main areas of concentration have been the beaches and the gardens from which a mass of debris from the town’s drains has been removed.

The central thoroughfare through the gardens was set to reopen at 10am, ready for the influx of festival goers.

Lifeguards are using red flags to advise people to stay out of the water Southbourne, Fishermans Walk, Manor Steps, Boscombe, East Cliff, Bournemouth, Durley Chine and Alum Chine beaches.

Beaches in Poole are open as usual.

There are concerns about contamination from the sewerage overflow. Visitors are advised to speak to the lifeguards about the conditions on a particular beach.

Holes have been filled in and damaged pathways repaired and reinstated.

“We have basically conducted a huge sweep from the beaches and upwards into the town,” added Gary Josey.

Some of tonight’s Night Air activity is affected. The Beat Retreat programme and the Commando display will now take place at the East Overcliff Drive at 6.30pm.

All the evening's flying will take place, but events on the ground are subject to change.

Tony Williams, executive director for environment and economic services said: “A big thank to everyone for their efforts, including all our staff and Wessex Water. It just goes to show what a resilient town Bournemouth is.”

Bournemouth Crematorium is closed due to flooding and will remain closed off for the next few days.

Full story of the big clean up and eight pages of Air Festival activity, see tomorrow’s Daily Echo.