SUNNY weather on the south coast has brought out Dorset residents to Bournemouth beach following a spell of cold weather.

Bright sunshine and cloudless skies drew locals out of their homes and onto the beach yesterday as temperatures rose to 14 degrees in some areas.

Yet, those from outside of the area are encouraged by BCP Council and Dorset Police to not travel to the popular beachside resort, or risk getting fined for breaching lockdown regulations.

Favourable conditions saw surfers and paddleboarders taking to the water, with the seaside promenades slightly congested with walkers, cyclists and people using Beryl’s new e-scooters.

Bournemouth Echo: An isolated spell of mild weather and cloudless skies drew Bournemouth residents out of their homes to the seafront

One Bournemouth resident said: “It is nice to have sunshine at last.

“My wife and I have been coming down to the seafront for our daily walks for most of lockdown and its nice knowing I didn’t have to bring a coat with me.”

Bournemouth Echo: An isolated spell of mild weather and cloudless skies drew Bournemouth residents out of their homes to the seafront

Beachside car parks were full by 11am on Saturday as many residents took the opportunity to make use of the mild weather, with people happy to sit benches in Bournemouth Central Garden with takeaway coffee cups in hand bought from the busy beachfront cafes and kiosks.

However, whilst there was the more-than-usual bustle on the seafront, the town centre itself remained quiet, with non-essential shops having to remain shut for another fortnight until April 12.

Bournemouth Echo: An isolated spell of mild weather and cloudless skies drew Bournemouth residents out of their homes to the seafront

The mild weather and sunshine is expected to continue into the beginning of next week, with temperatures remaining in double figures until Wednesday.

Yet, another cold spell is due to take hold of the country by the end of next week and into the beginning of March.

From Friday, daytime temperatures are anticipated to drop to six degrees, with the mercury plummeting as to low as minus five overnight.

Bournemouth Echo: An isolated spell of mild weather and cloudless skies drew Bournemouth residents out of their homes to the seafront

A Poole resident walking along Bournemouth Beach added: “I’ve walked from Branksome Chine to Bournemouth Pier, and the weather is just gorgeous.

"The weather has just helped put people in a better mood.

“We have an end date for this lockdown, daylight hours getting longer, and the weather is improving, things are looking up.”

However BCP Council and Dorset Police have urged visitors from outside of the area to not visit the tourist destination.

Under the current Covid-19 restrictions, people are still encourage to stay local and minimise time spent outside of their homes.

Bournemouth Echo: An isolated spell of mild weather and cloudless skies drew Bournemouth residents out of their homes to the seafront

Assistant chief constable Sam de Reya, Dorset Police, said: “The Government has now announced their road map for how lockdown restrictions will be gradually lifted this summer and I know this news will be very much welcomed by both businesses and our communities.We fully expect the numbers of people travelling into Dorset this summer for a staycation to be higher than ever before.

"We want the county open and welcoming visitors so our businesses, that rely heavily on tourism, can thrive and we get the economy moving. However, encouraging people to visit Dorset must not be at the expense of people’s health.

“Our communities should feel reassured that the huge amount of planning already underway should allow people to travel into Dorset and enjoy what the county has to offer, while keeping both residents and visitors safe.”