FOR one family it had been a wait besieged by bad weather and gale-force winds.

But the Youngs from Mudeford were rewarded when Avon Beach started taking bookings for seasonal beach huts yesterday.

Only two full-season huts were available this year, with 17 up for grabs for the school holiday period from July 15 until September 1 as well as some other shorter lets.

By Friday morning, the family had some company as others started forming a line behind Roy and Jane Young on Thursday morning.

The couple, along with their sons Deane and Michael had been queuing outside the shop at the Mudeford beach since New Year’s Day.

Jane said: “It’s better than a Lottery ticket. I’m delighted. It’s definitely been worth it.”

Father and daughter Keely and Pete Smith were next in line, having camped out all night to secure their place.

“We hadn’t planned to be one of the first – we thought we’d be further back in the queue. It was quite surprising”, Keely said.

“Now we’re here, I think we’ll try and get the full season let if we can.

“I’ve travelled around the world – the Seychelles, Bali – and this view is as good if not better than any of those.

“The people are lovely and there is a real sense of community down here.”

Julie Barry from Burton ventured out early on Friday to claim her place in the line.

“This is the first time I have done this and it’s brilliant.

“I’ve made friends, it’s been such fun.”

Christine Stevens from Mudeford added: “I’ve done this for a few years. There seems to be the same amount of people here as there has been other years.

“The family always come and use the hut when we’ve got it. It’s always a lovely atmosphere down here in the queue – really cheerful.”