THE unpredictable and changeable nature of summer 2004 continued through the Bank Holiday weekend in Dorset.

Although thousands of visitors flocked to the county, those in the tourist industry reported mixed fortunes.

While some hotels were full, many said they had empty beds and attractions were busy at times as the weather changed from bright sunshine to chilly, blustery winds.

"Luckily we had plenty of pre-bookings but most people were asking for Saturday only which is not much better than a weekend in January," said a hotelier on the East Cliff in Bournemouth.

Owners of a West Cliff hotel said the Bank Holiday was the worst in 30 years of trading but owners of self catering accommodation in the resort said they have been fully booked for the last two weeks.

Graham Robinson, administrator for the Bournemouth Area Hospitality Association, said: "I think the Bank Holiday has been pretty good but not absolutely brilliant because the weather was not hot.

"Most people seem to have been very busy for Saturday night and many have filled up at the last minute."

In Poole, Tourism assistant Becky Knight said small hotels and guest houses were busy all weekend.

"We were quite worried because of the weather but it has been really beautiful.

"It brightened up on Saturday and people decided to come down."

Tourism chiefs hope visitors will hang around for the rest of the week and are encouraged by the latest weather forecast.

According to the Met Office, the remainder of this week will see bright sunshine and temperatures up to 73 degrees fahrenheit.

First published: Augut 31