Sun shining in resort brings in the tourists

Temperatures soared into the early twenties this Bank Holiday weekend, with clear skies shining over the Fylde coast.

Hoteliers and shop owners celebrated the business boom brought in by the sunny weather.

Gary Pretty, owner of the Hesketh Hotel in Bispham, said: “It has been brilliant. We were nearly full anyway but then we picked up some extra people because of the good weather. It does us very well and brings everybody outside.

“You get a lot of last-minute business. We had a man come in last night at 11pm.

“I went through town yesterday and it was very busy. I had a friend who was visiting Lancaster and asked him if it was the same. He said no - they must have all come to Blackpool!

“All my guests said it was lovely to be able to get out and do what they wanted to do. They like Blackpool anyway but the weather makes it a lot better for them.”

Hotelier and Stay Blackpool chairman Claire Smith said: “The weather has a huge impact and with it being half term and the bank holiday it doesn’t get any better than this.

“More people get to come and see our blue flag shining from the top of Blackpool Tower.

“Everything looks so much better with the sun shining. People can’t help but have a good time.”