A SPELL of unusually warm April weather saw crowds flock to parks and beaches across Bournemouth and Poole yesterday.

With the mercury reaching 18 degrees Celsius in the south of the county and other parts of the South West experiencing highs of 21 degrees, the temperature was nearly ten degrees above the average for the month.

Large numbers of holiday makers travelled to Poole Quay to enjoy an ice cream or a box of fish and chips.

Among them were Michael and Janet Curtis who travelled down from Warminster in Wiltshire.

"It is very nice to have some sunny weather for a change," said Mr Curtis, 73.

"We knew it was supposed to be nice but never thought it would be as warm as this.

"We have a motor caravan and often stop off outside Wareham so we come down to Poole Quay quite often, it is one of our favourite places."

Also enjoying the sun were local residents Steve and Harriet Collins, with their dog Lottie.

Mrs Collins said: "It always gets very busy down here when the sun is out."

Sanjay Lankage, manager of Harlees fish and chip shop on the quayside, said: "It has been really busy today, as it always is when the sun comes out, but we were prepared for it."

According to the Met Office the good weather looks set to continue for the rest of the week as high pressure ensures conditions in most areas remain settled.

Meteorologist Alex Burkill said: "We are going to hold on to that high pressure which is going to keep things settled. We should see plenty more decent spells of sunshine."

The average UK temperature for April is 11.4 degrees Celsius and for England is 12.4 degrees, according to the Met Office.

Many holidaymakers returned from their long weekend breaks yesterday, with about 16 million cars estimated to have been on the roads nationally over the bank holiday break.