SOARING temperatures and blazing sunshine have brought scores of holidaymakers to Weymouth.

As the mercury rose, the beach was packed with revellers enjoying the sun, with many in town for Weymouth Carnival today and tomorrow.

Carnival organisers have been told to expect more good weather in the coming days as a summer heatwave continues to warm up the Jurassic Coast.

Last year’s carnival was hit by heavy rain but this August is seeing plenty of sunshine and warm weather.

The Met Office is predicting another fine day today, with maximum temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius in the South West.

Helen Lawrence, 47, travelled from Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire with her partner and said that there are lots of reasons people come to Weymouth.

Helen, who used to live on Portland, added: “I think it is the seafront atmosphere and its good beaches. There are lots of good attractions whatever your tastes are. The weather makes all the difference.”

Weymouth resident Paul Francis, 70, said: “The beautiful sunshine brings people down here. It is beautiful here at the moment.

“It is quite incredible how many people are on the beach.”

Traders were also celebrating as the increased footfall on the Esplanade led to a boost for their businesses.

Ashley Day, operator of the Eurofighter Typhoon simulator on Weymouth seafront, said: “We bring it for the carnival and we have always got interest.

“We like it when it is summer weather. People come for the nice beach, the seaside and all the attractions.”

Hilda Hall, who had travelled from Nottinghamshire to run a Hook a Duck stall in the town, said: “The children like it and I enjoy doing it.

“Weymouth is a beautiful place – clean, nice people, friendly. I cannot praise it enough.”

James McCaughtrie, manager of Cactus Tea Rooms on the seafront, said it’s clear why so many people choose to visit Weymouth.

He said: “It’s got to be the beach. It’s nice and clean. They are queueing up here, so I think it shows.”

Rachael Parker, of Tom and Erin’s Gift Shop, said: “It has been quite busy lately. It’s good to get the holidaymakers down. It is nice to see so many people supporting Weymouth.”