BUSINESSES enjoyed a summer boost as the sun saw visitors flock to popular spots up and down north Essex.

Owners were happy to see the sun and hot temperatures out in full force, enjoying plenty of trade throughout the day.

Following more rain than usual during the summer, yesterday's heatwave was welcomed with open arms by business owners.

Manager of Café in the Park at Castle Park Billy Johnson said: “It's been a very wet year so far and we needed some hot weather.

Busy - Cafe in the Park was delighted, as the weather brought in some puntersBusy - Cafe in the Park was delighted, as the weather brought in some punters (Image: Credited)

“We had a really slow Easter and I feel like all of most of the school holidays we've had obviously apart from this one, haven't really been busy.

“It's good for everyone, seaside towns as well, that we’re getting a bit of trade now.

“The park is a bit of a weird one where if it gets too hot, everyone goes to the beach, but we're getting there.”

Tom West, who runs The Marlborough pub in Dedham also welcomed the sunshine.

He said: “The weather just makes a massive difference, and it puts a smile on all the teams' faces to start with.

"But for us, it increases sales by about 30 per cent, so we see the uplift in trade.

Happy - Tom West who runs The Marlborough in Dedham is thrilled with the weatherHappy - Tom West who runs The Marlborough in Dedham is thrilled with the weather (Image: Credited)

“Everyone's in a better mood, it's just lovely and it feels like a much better place.

“Obviously, Dedham becomes absolutely heaving, it seems to have been just discovered by the local towns recently, but there's a lot of people that visit that don't spend money in the village.

Shaded - The Marlborough pub was favoured by those seeking shadeShaded - The Marlborough pub was favoured by those seeking shade (Image: Credited)

“But if they all pick up their rubbish and take it all with them, then there's no issues.

“Customers don't get hungry till later, so they'll be out all day in the sun running around and then suddenly realise they’re hungry and come in to eat.

“Around 4 or 5pm in the afternoon, people start piling in and we become very busy and we also get busy once it’s cooled down at around 8 or 9pm.

“We're not of those kinds of temperatures yet, we're only just hitting 30 today for the first time, so I don't think I think it's proper hot. But it is nice weather at the moment."