Sunny scenes in Bournemouth this Easter made the resort look more like it’s the middle of August.

An estimated 250,000 people stretched out on the beach and thousands more lounged around in parks and gardens to make the most of the stunning weather over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Temperatures were even higher than in the Sahara Desert, with thermometers, on Saturday, reaching 26 degrees centigrade on Bournemouth beach, compared with 25 degrees in the Moroccan city of Merzouga.

A Bournemouth Tourism spokesman said: “Our industry people haven’t seen it this good at Easter for a number of years.

“We’ve not had sunny weather coinciding with the bank holidays and Easter school holidays like this for some time.

“Those three things have culminated in this one huge positive start to the season.”

Shops close to Sandbanks in Poole reported running short on stock, as holidaymakers rushed to snap up disposable barbecues and refreshments. Down at Boscombe beach swimmers and kayakers were out on the waters while hundreds took the chance to soak up the sun’s rays.

Meanwhile, the RSPCA reminded pet owners about the dangers of leaving animals in hot cars, conservatories or caravans as the barbecue temperatures continue.

Alison Gandalfi, chairman of Bournemouth Area Hospitality Association, said Bournemouth and its beaches had been absolutely packed this Easter.

She said: “People didn’t book until the last minute. Most people still only booked for two nights. It’s been a beautiful Easter. There is a good buzz about the town. It’s been busy down the beach and the pier.

“The town is very vibrant and everyone seems to be happy. I think it’s one of the nicest Easters we’ve had for a while. People will come here because it’s lovely but the hot weather is a bonus.”