Pubs and bars in Lancaster and Morecambe were jam-packed as hot and bothered locals headed for refreshment this week.

And as the temperature reached 29 degrees Celsius, businesses across the area enjoyed an influx of sun-seekers.

Shops saw a flurry of activity as punters poured through the doors to get their hands on anything they could chuck on the BBQ.

Sunbathers flocked to beaches, with many bathers taking a dip in the sea to cool off.

The sunny spell is being seen as an excellent boost for the region's tourist industry - with the Mediterranean temperatures keeping British holidaymakers on home soil.

A spokesman for Lancaster City Council, says: " The sunny weather has seen an unusually busy pre holiday increase in numbers for Lancaster and Morecambe.

"Hoteliers have reported good business and day visitor figures have increased due to impromptu visits to the resort. This is an excellent start to the school holidays!"

BBQ coals, garden furniture and electric fans have been selling like hot cakes, says Phil Petre, manager of B&Q in Lancaster.

"We can't get the stock on the shelves quick enough, BBQs, cooling and anything to do with the garden is going very fast," he says.

Steve Smith, forecaster at the Met Office, says Monday was the hottest day of the year so far.

"It reached 29C and in some places even 30 degrees inland. On the coast it was cooler but it was still the hottest day of the year and there was certainly nothing this warm last year."

He says that the weather is set to carry on in the same vein, although temperatures would drop to about 20c.

"We beat the Eastern coast of Italy, which reached 18C, although beaches in Spain saw 26C," adds Mr Smith.