Hundreds of sunseekers crowded Southend as temperatures soared on the first weekend of British summertime.
Thermometers hit 15C, (59F), attracting throngs of people to the seaside town.
An Easter market in Southend High Street on Saturday was mobbed as the mercury rose. Stallholders in Easter bonnets showed off their wares to raise cash for Fairhavens Hospice.
Meanwhile, Southend seafront's traders were celebrating an earlier then expected start to the summer season.
Kevin Chinnery, chairman of the Southend Seafront Illuminations and Business Association, said: "This was a little taste of what is to come. The weather was good, business was good and everyone is happy."
It is too early for forecasts for the weekend but the weather is expected to remain fairly good at least until Wednesday
Fundraiser - Lesley Layzell, from Orsett, helps raise cash for Fairhavens
Picture: ADAM SCOREY
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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