DORSET has enjoyed a super sizzling holiday weekend as thousands flocked to the coast amid soaring temperatures.

Crowds hit the beaches and also enjoyed a number of Easter events including fairs and music during the mini heatwave.

Continuous sunshine meant visitors were able to enjoy the outdoors without having to shelter from gloomy weather usually associated with a bank holiday.

Weymouth was packed and buzzing as thousands hit the beach. The Quayside Music Festival on the harbourside provided an extra spectacle, attracting huge crowds.

As reported, the town was set for a bumper weekend after being named as one of the top UK destinations this Easter. The resort was singled out as one of the top trending Airbnb destinations for Brits over Easter.

Temperatures rose to over 20C – but feeling far hotter in direct sunlight – with many people cooling down by eating ice creams or taking a dip in the sea.

"Bring on the summer" – was the message from local traders.

Businesses welcomed the boost with many calling it a 'great start to the season'.

Tom Steadman, owner of Tom and Erin's seafront business, said: "When the sun is out Weymouth is the best place to be in the country, it doesn't matter how many closed shops there are in the town centre, people come here for the beach. It's a simple formula, if there's sunny weather everyone flocks to the beach.

"I can't believe we're only in April, it's fantastic. It has already been a great start of the season for us.

"Everyone is taking money and providing an excellent service. And it's great to see so many happy faces."

Christine Hurford, who runs a beach kiosk and Toucies gift shop, said: "It has been very busy, so that's a real bonus. The children have been off school and they're absolutely loving it down here. Everyone is so excited and running around."

Melanie Rush, who is the owner of Weymouth Beach Donkeys, welcomed the warm weather.

She said: "It's better late than never. We have had a lot of regulars come back this half term which has been really nice. We are here, we are warm and we are enjoying ourselves."

Owner of Rossi's Ice Cream Parlour, Fulvio Figliolini, known as Figgy, said: "The size of the queue says it all, we are doing alright. Bring on summer 2019. Regardless of all the politics, the sun still shines. We're busy and looking forward to a good season."

Verity Lancaster from Coventry visited the resort with her children Cormac and Bethan who enjoyed riding on the donkeys.

She said: "Weymouth is really nice, it's the first time we have been down here but we would definitely come back again. There's lots to do and it's all in walking distance."

Tim Freeman from Leicester said the town has 'something for everyone.'

He explained: "We come down to Weymouth whenever we can, there's plenty to do and it's very sociable. What brought us to Weymouth in the first place is that there's something for everybody you get all sorts of people. If we bring the children and the grandchildren there's plenty to keep them busy, whether it's heading to the beach or visiting the Nothe."