GLORIOUS sunshine brought crowds of people to Weymouth this weekend.
Hordes of visitors descended on Weymouth's award-winning golden sands, bringing a welcome boost to local businesses during what is believed to be the hottest weekend of the year so far.
The mercury rose to an estimated 24 degrees celcius on Saturday - Weymouth Beach was packed with families and groups - the majority of whom appeared to be observing social distancing guidelines whilst basking in the heatwave.
One group visiting from the east of the county on Saturday sang the town's praises on the promenade.
Becky Smith said: "It's so much nicer than Bournemouth - the beach is really clean and you can actually find somewhere to park. We came down here for a change of scene, and Weymouth is absolutely lovely."
On the sands enjoying a girls' holiday were Jodie Seedel and Crystal Maine.
Crystal, a professional dancer from Suffolk, said: "I visited Weymouth a year ago to perform at the Pavilion with the Ballroom Boys (of Strictly Come Dancing) - I love it here - it's nice to be back but so weird to see the Pavilion closed - I hope it can reopen soon."
Crystal's friend Jodie, who is from Liverpool, added: "We're having a great weekend away - I've got a caravan at Waterside Holiday Park and this summer I'll be bringing friends to Weymouth every weekend. Basically, I've fallen in love with the town."
The positive mood was echoed by nearby traders who were making the most of the heatwave.
Melanie Rush said her famous Weymouth Beach donkeys have been competing with each other to come to work each day.
"They get quite feisty about it," she said. "They're very sociable and they like to have a purpose."
The weather on Saturday was a blessing for a brand new bar on The Esplanade - Kika - formerly the Lazy Lizard.
Staff member Jack McNaughton said: "We've excited to open today -there's lots of measures in place to keep customers safe, such as table service and social distancing.
"We've been very busy already - so many smiling faces - it's great to have so much support."
Further down The Esplanade is the Cactus Tearooms and Bistro, where customers were enjoying refreshments outside in the sunshine at socially-distanced tables.
Manager James McCaughtrie and his team were positively beaming amid the sunny weather and gave the Echo a very warm welcome.
Mr McCaughtrie said: "It's been busy this weekend, but ideally we need things to pick up even more to make up for lockdown and see us through this winter.
"Since we reopened on July 4 we've been delighted to welcome back locals, and - as summer's progressed - are really pleased to see many of our regular holiday makers who return year after year."
- Do you have a story to tell about a business making the most of Weymouth's glorious sunshine? Get in touch by text, call or Whatsapp on 07732602210 for a possible feature in the Echo.
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