PEOPLE made the most of the unseasonable heatwave by flocking to Weymouth beach for a weekend of fun in the sun.

Beachgoers enjoyed sizzling temperatures, with the mercury hitting 28 degrees and the resort’s car parks and shops packed all weekend.

Traders made the most of a ‘bonus’ weekend with many beach attractions that would normally be closed for the season staying open.

High temperatures were also expected today but it will be feeling more like autumn later in the week.

President of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce Andy Cooke said: “October is normally quite nice in Weymouth but this weekend has been unprecedented.

“You only had to come down to the beach to see how busy the town is.

“People are coming into town and spending. It’s a welcome bonus.”

Holidaymaker Rob Vought and his five-year-old son Nathan, from Calne, Wiltshire, were among those enjoying the ‘second summer.’ Mr Vought, 47, said: “It’s amazing, we love Weymouth and always come here for holidays.

“It’s was so nice running up to the weekend that we just couldn’t wait to get down here.

“We love the beach and the sand, it’s great for sandcastles.

“There’s always so much going on.”

Grant Burdon, of G&M Leisure has run the bungee trampolines attraction on the beach for a second summer season.

He said: “It’s been very steady for us, the weather is really nice.

“We weren’t even here this time last year, we would’ve packed up and gone by now but we came down for one more weekend to make the most of it.

“People are just coming out to sit on the beach and enjoy the sunshine.”

Weymouth students Billie-Rose Hampshire and Lucy Pinder, both 17, were happy to get another weekend’s work in for the Weldon Family Amusements-owned children’s trampolines and swingboats.

Lucy said: “It’s just like a summer’s day but it’s October, just when you’re expecting it to get colder we get an Indian summer. It’s the chance to make money and get a tan.”

Jacqueline Holland, the owner of Alexandra Gardens Kiosk, said: “It’s certainly brought the people out, it’s very welcome.

“I think it poured it down this time last year so anything’s got to be better than that.

“It was 28c, unbelievable, it’s hotter than Europe.”

Staff at Asda in Weymouth ordered in extra stocks of salad, beer and soft drinks.