WEYMOUTH has been enjoying a dose of late summer sun with temperatures hitting 25 degrees yesterday.

And forecasters expect the temperatures to remain high over the weekend, providing an extra boost for sun-seekers and traders.

The beach was crowded with people yesterday as families frolicked in the sea and bought ice-creams while the seafront was teeming with life.

Water temperatures have been positively balmy with the highest sea temperature of the year recorded on Wednesday night – a staggering 17.5 degrees.

Hoteliers have not reported a surge in late bookings but are keeping their fingers crossed for the weekend.

Weymouth businesses have had a mixed bag in terms of trade this summer, with some reporting record years, while others are feeling that they’ve had a ‘so-so’ season.

But the balmy temperatures have had a positive effect on local trade, giving businesses a pleasant boost before winter closes in.

Emily Macfarlane, 19, is finishing her fourth summer working for family ice cream business Rossi’s.

She said the parlour enjoyed a bumper day yesterday.

She said: “I reckon I served more ice creams yesterday than I have in two weeks.

“It’s really booming, especially if you compare it to the start of September.”

Dave Taylor and Lyn Thompson run The Chatsworth Hotel and Sun Terrace on the Esplanade, which has been in Dave’s family for 40 years.

They’ve had a busy season despite the weather citing the added bonus of a terrace open to passers-by.

Mr Taylor said: “We’re in competition with Torquay as to who’s got the best weather in the country. They always make a bigger deal of it than us, though.”

He added: “I think people come here because it’s the original seaside resort.”

Graham Scott, who runs a beach kiosk, was pleased with the sunshine after having a challenging season.

He said: “Apparently, it’s been the worst summer we’ve had for 18 years.

“It’s not been a great season, because it’s been very windy. People don’t want to get sand blasted.”

He added: “Yesterday was smashing, though. When the sun comes out, people just want to go to the beach.”

With a very British twinkle, he added: “Fingers crossed for next year, eh?”

Temperatures soared to 25 degrees yesterday. A year ago the top temperature was 16 degrees.

It is expected to remain dry and fine over the weekend with temperatures in the early 20s.