THOUSANDS flocked to Bournemouth beach for the first full weekend of sunny weather this year. 

Sunseekers could be seen making the most of the warm weather on Saturday with queues for food and drink along the pier.

According to the Met Office, the temperature in Bournemouth peaked at 18C.

The Met Office has predicted that there is more good weather to come on Sunday with temperatures of 17 degrees and sun shining all day. 

Lulworth Estate said it had been looking forward to an increase in visitors thanks to the warm spell.

A spokesperson said: “After a period of two years of on/off lockdowns and restrictions, we are looking forward to the new season and the current spring sunshine forecast for the coming days will hopefully see an increase in unrestricted visitors, even though the sea remains a little chilly. 

“Like many, operating a business through the Covid period has been challenging and we hope that in 2022 we will see a full recovery.”

Tim Seward from the BH Area Hospitality Association said: “It’s really good that the season is starting and the clocks are going forward. 

“Hotels are starting to pick up with the weather and we hope for another booster year. 

“There has been an increase in booking in the hospitality sector now the weather is getting nicer and with the BIC having a lot more concerts, gigs and theatre shows there have been other people coming into the town and weekends have been good for the town, even over February. 

“With the Festival Coast Live and various events happening it's all looking good for the industry. It's the beginning of the season and we're looking forward to another great year.”

The sunshine is not expected to last into next week, temperatures are set to start climbing down again from Monday, when it will be cloudy and cooler with temperatures of 14 degrees.