THOUSANDS of sun-seekers took advantage of the warmest weekend of the year so far to head for the coast.

Main roads into Brighton and Worthing were jammed as visitors rushed to soak up the sunshine and relax by the sea.

As temperatures climbed towards the seventies, shops, restaurants and bars along the seafront were packed out.

Seafront officer Charlie King said groups of people were having to wait to find spaces to sit down.

He said: "If it wasn't for the fact that you know what the date is you'd think it was the middle of summer.

"We've had to bring in the summer cleaning team to clear the litter from the beach and seafront as it has been so busy."

The Palace Pier and Brighton Marina were also packed with visitors.

Pier worker Tracy Braysher said: "It started off quietly but suddenly in the afternoon it all went crazy.

"We think it has a lot to do with Mother's Day and people coming out to walk off lunch, but the weather has certainly helped."

Other popular attractions also reported an increase in visitors.

Rebecca Burroughs, duty manager at Drusilla's Zoo Park at Alfriston, said visitor numbers for the weekend were well up on this time last year.

She said: "It has been absolutely packed on both days. This is the first weekend of the year all our outlets have been opened up after the winter break and we are delighted with how busy we've been.

"The weather has really helped and it's looking good for the rest of the year."

Staff at other attractions, including Wakehurst Gardens in Ardingly, and the Bluebell Railway and Sheffield Park, also said they had been extra busy.

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