Spring has made a sizzling comeback as temperatures soared over 20 degrees Celsius in Dorset.

People flocked to the beaches as the mini heatwave continued.

It looks to be more of the same today with plenty of sunshine – but that's all folks for now as rain could be on the way at the weekend.

Traders say Weymouth is a different town when the sun comes out, after visitors flocked to the resort to enjoy the warm weather.

The sunshine is a welcome boost for trade after a soggy start to spring and a general gloomy Easter saw a slump in business.

Christine Hurford who runs a beach kiosk and Toucies gift shop said: “It has been fabulous for everyone. Easter was such a disappointment. Unfortunately, the children are back at school, but the warm weather is bringing families with young children. There have been plenty of holiday makers around. It makes you feel good about this summer, let’s hope it continues.”

Tom Steadman of Tom and Erin’s Gift Shop said: “It hasn’t been overly busy because the Easter holidays have just gone, but it’s picking up.

“It is a different town when the sun comes out.

“When the sun comes out, people come out. We have already started selling sunglasses and flip-flops ready for the summer.”

The window of Rossi’s ice-cream parlour on the Esplanade was wide open all day yesterday and owner Fulvio Figliolini said: “We make ice-cream, so this is our weather. I like to think everyone will enjoy it. It’s a shame the children are not still on holiday but we’re still happy. This weather is what we want.”

Visitors travelled from across the country to enjoy Weymouth's warm weather.

Tom and Eileen Davies from Birmingham, travelled to the town as part of a coach trip yesterday.

They said: “It is like a real summer’s day and very busy for this time of year. It’s really coming alive this week.

“We will definitely come back after what we’ve seen.”

Margaret Vine and Trevor Earnshow from Hertfordshire said they were surprised by how nice the weather was.

They said: “It has been pretty horrible in Hertfordshire we’ve had some snow and a lot of rain during Easter.

“We came to Weymouth for one day. We wanted to have a look at it and it really is beautiful. We have been surprised how nice it is.”

Linda and Tom Roberts from Lincolnshire said: “We love it down here. We came down on Tuesday because we knew the warm weather was coming.”