SUNSEEKERS took to the sands as Weymouth enjoyed a sweltering start to the Easter holidays.

Weymouth beach was packed with visitors over the weekend as people flocked to enjoy the spring sunshine.

Traders reported an early season boost that they hope will set them up for a prosperous holiday period.

However, many holiday makers complained of difficulties with the traffic caused by roadworks in the town.

Among the visitors to the beach yesterday were Debbie Spilman and Andrew Caswell, from Wareham, who enjoyed a day out with their children Scott, aged nine, Zoe, eight, and three-year-old Dean.

Debbie said: “We came down for the day as we wanted to make the most of what was on our doorstep.

“The children had a donkey ride and the weather’s just right – it’s not too hot.

“We come down a few times a year, it’s a nice seaside town.”

John Ford, 64, and his sister Maureen Ford, 61, came down from Honiton for the day.

John said: “We thought we’d spend a few hours by the beach, we had fish and chips and thought we’d finish it off with an ice cream.

“I can’t believe how many people are here. Let’s hope this weather lasts.”

Brenda Magee, 75, and husband Chris, 80, are regular visitors from their home in Devizes as Brenda was born in Weymouth.

She said: “The weather is beautiful, it’s a long while since I’ve seen so many people at this time of year.”

However, the couple said they weren’t impressed with the traffic caused by the roadworks, which had put some people off from coming back to the town.

Brenda said: “We have spoken to a few people who have said they are not coming again.”

Among the traders enjoying a boost to their business was Ed Jenkins, owner of Edz on the Esplanade which sells ice cream and gifts.

He said: “The sun has brought out people’s spending from the doom and gloom of the winter.”

However, he added: “It could be better, I think a lot of people are scared off by the roadworks.”

Steve Bassett, owner of the nearby Rock and Fudge shop, said: “It’s been nice and steady. The important thing is it sets the next two weeks up.

“If it’s bad weather prior to Easter it puts people in a different mindset so the next two weeks should be a bit more buoyant.”

Keith Lockton, a staff member at the Harlequin Café on the Esplanade, said: “It’s been mad here, from 7am it hasn’t stopped.”

However, not all businesses saw trade benefit from the sunshine.

Terry Johnson, shift manager at Harry’s Amusements on the Esplanade, said people were not coming in because they were out enjoying the good weather.

He said: “When it’s like this the beach is the place for people to be.”