TOURISTS and locals alike have been making the most of the glorious weather.

Thousands of people have been flocking to Tendring and Colchester to enjoy the sunshine, with what is thought to be the warmest early May on record.

Seasonal traders have reported an upturn in business as a result.

Manager of Walton Pier, Bob Doe, said: "The sun coming out made all the difference. We've had thousands of people here, and it's made up for Easter, which was disappointing."

Katie Pickett, holiday sales manager for Highfield Holiday Park in Clacton, agreed.

She said: "We've been really busy since the weather's got better.

"I think we're going to be busy for the next few months."

Jill Wicks, of Visit Colchester Information Centre, said things had been similarly successful inland.

"We've been very busy here," she said.

"It's great that so many people have been coming into the centre to find out how they can best enjoy the beautiful weather.

"They've had a great interest in all the outdoor things they can do, like going to Castle Park or on the Wivenhoe Trail."

THE sunshine and warmth this week may be our last for a while. Rain is predicted for today, with a mixture of sunshine and showers tomorrow. Saturday may be warmer, with sunshine and cloud. The sun should return on Sunday but, even then, temperatures are not forecast to reach the dizzy heights of earlier this week.