TOURISM bosses are pinning their hopes on a bumper bank holiday to save the summer season from being a complete washout.

The weather forecast for this bank holiday weekend is favourable, with the best of the sun expected on Monday.

And beleagured traders and hoteliers are crossing their fingers and hoping for a mass exodus down to the South Coast.

Beverly Ware, of Bournemouth Tourism, said: "Hotel bookings are looking quite reasonable. We are getting an encouraging number of one-night bookings for Saturday and we anticipate a lot of people booking on the day.

Alison Birkett of the Automobile Association said: "Friday afternoon will be exceptionally busy on the roads into Dorset, whatever the weather.

"We anticipate dealing with around 60,000 breakdowns over the four days and many will be problems that could be avoided."

"We've had to tow people back to Birmingham and Manchester in the past because they have gone swimming in the sea with their car keys around their neck.

She added: "People just need to use common sense really."

First published: August 27