PEOPLE are throwing their weight behind Olympic organisers’ ‘Come to Weymouth’ strategy.

As Team GB sailors get back into winning ways on the water, crowds are returning to the resort. And town ambassadors are telling them ‘welcome to wonderful Weymouth’.

But traders say despite the upturn there is still a long way to go.

The increase in numbers comes after visitor numbers were nowhere near the extra 30,000 people forecast to visit Weymouth and Portland for the Games.

People have been taking advantage of the free park and ride site at Monkey’s Jump in Dorchester and tweeting on social networking site Twitter about the resort’s charms.

Organisations including the regional branch of the British Red Cross and Weymouth Rotary Club are backing the strategy.

They are rallying around and using the power of social networking to attract people to the resort.

And bosses at Weymouth Sea Life Tower tweeted: “Don’t forget, Monkey’s Jump park and ride is free today, plus there is plenty of sailing action making it a great day to #cometoweymouth.”

People are also encouraged to use #weymouth2012 and #weymouth hashtags.

Weymouth Rotary Club members have sent word out to Rotarians around the world to visit the town and to drop by to see them in Pilgrim House in Hope Square.

Weymouth Rotary Club president Mike Parker said word of mouth is spreading.

“We’re saying WWW – welcome to wonderful Weymouth.

“Weymouth is a lovely place, people should get in their cars and come on down here. It’s definitely not too late, there’s still a lot left of the Olympics and the Paralympics are yet to arrive.

“It’s got a beautiful sailing centre, a lovely harbour and the beach is fantastic,” he said.

German visitor Heike Moench was welcomed to the town at Pilgrim House.

She said: “I wanted to see the south coast and watch some of the Games.

“The children are loving the sea and the houses. We went to the beach to see the sailing for free which was really nice.”

Programme seller and local Pam Humphrey said the town is full of free entertainment during the Olympics.

She said: “Weymouth is a little secret on the south west coast. It has old world charm and the delights of a clean beach, Punch and Judy and all the benefits of the Olympic sailing.

“There’s something even for those without tickets.

“It really is Costa del Weymouth.”

Hundreds of people flocked to Weymouth beach for a sunny afternoon of Olympic action.

Weymouth Live Site was busier than ever during the sailing races as crowds watched Ben Ainslie renew his quest for a gold medal.

Olympic ambassador Claudia Davidson, of Dorchester, said the beach is getting busier each day.

She said: “It’s definitely been a lot busier today, there’s a great atmosphere in town.”

Fellow ambassador Rose Kempshaw, of Broadstone, said: “People are really pleased with the parking and the transport changes, a lot of people were put off before but it’s really great now.

“It definitely helps that Ben Ainslie has done so well this afternoon and it’s nice to see other sports on the screens.”

Katherine and Mark Jankergouw, of Guildford, are staying in Preston for a family holiday with their young children. Mrs Jankergouw said: “We’re having a great time, there's so much for the kids to do.

“The live site is a great idea, there's a good atmosphere in here and it’s a great place to come and watch the sporting action.”

*Charlotte Edwards, captain of England women’s Cricket team, visited Weymouth beach and said there’s a buzzing atmosphere in town.

She said: “I’m here with the Cricket Factory to promote cricket and hopefully introduce it to lots of people over the next few days.

“It’s fantastic to see do many people, adults and children, getting involved.

“There’s a great atmosphere and it’s great to introduce people to new sports.

“One of the key messages of the Olympics is inspiring the next generation and this is definitely playing that part. It’s great to be here and experience that first hand.

“It’s my first time in Weymouth and I think the town is great.

“There’s a huge buzz around and it’s great to be here, it’s Olympic fever.”