OPERATORS today claimed business was booming as markets in Dorchester and Weymouth enjoyed their best ever summers.

Brendan George, from operators T Ensor and Son, said the attractions were heaving as Dorset basked in a hot summer.

The success came as tourism attractions in Dorchester enjoyed increased numbers of visitors and sunseekers flocked to Weymouth beaches.

Mr George, managing partner of Ensors, said: "The sheer weight of numbers coming through Dorchester market has been great.

"Weymouth has been outrageously busy as well. It is difficult to put a figure on the numbers but the markets are busier than they have ever been.

"It is fantastic for the markets but also for Dorchester and Weymouth as well, as people will go into town."

He added: "It should have good knock-on effects with more people coming back next year if they have had a good time this year."

The success comes after Ensors built a cover for the main market area in Dorchester to shield shoppers from bad weather.

The structure helped the market recover from the impact of the foot and mouth crisis on tourism.

Now Mr George has backed calls for more car parking and a coach park on the former Eldridge Pope site in Dorchester to pull even more visitors into town.

He said: "It is a golden opportunity for planners to put this provision on the Eldridge Pope site. They have this one chance with this central piece of land to do something for the service of the town."

His comments come after Ann Martin, chairman of the Dorset Association of Blue Badge Tourist Guides, urged Dorchester to step up facilities for visitors.

She claimed a larger coach park was vital to draw more tourists into town and increase business at attractions such as the Old Crown Court and cells.

The town currently has 10 spaces at the Top o'Town car park for coaches and lorries but Mr George and Mrs Martin claim more could be created at the former Eldridge Pope site in Weymouth Avenue.

Developers, council officers and landowners are in talks about the future of the site with proposals including a mixed development with homes and some commercial use.