Sunny weather opens wallets wider says tourism man

Doreen, Joan and Jill, from Ellesmere Port say they have enjoyed the summer-like weather in Great Yarmouth

A tourist attraction owner said good weather means "wallets have opened wider" over the Easter holidays.

Thousands of people have visited Great Yarmouth, Norfolk over the school break, staying in hotels, holiday parks and visiting local attractions.

Businesses on the Golden Mile say that, despite the cost of living meaning many people are watching what they spend, they are still having a good time.

Michael Cole, director of Joyland Children's Fun Park, said: "When the sunshines, the wallet opens a little bit wider. It puts a smile on everyone's face and when people feel good they tend to spend a little bit more, we tend to find."

Michael Cole, director of Joyland, says wallets open wider when the weather is good

He added: "I think it's [the sunshine] been a big boost. The weather's been sunny and we've had a few chilly days but the people have been out.

"We've noticed a slight increase in people we'd normally see this time of year and I do think the weather's had a big effect on it."

Esther Roberts, who operates a chips, ice cream and cold drinks stall, says while busy, customers on a budget have been careful with their spending

Esther Roberts, who runs a stall selling chips, ice creams and slush drinks, said it has been busy but that did not translate to a boom in sales for her business.

"Not really [taking money] but the sun's shining, there's blue skies, everybody's enjoying their time and they're happy, so roll with it.

"The last two Easters there was torrential rain and it wasn't very good, so hopefully it will stay dry and be prosperous for us, as it feels like summer."

Mina and her mum Alli enjoying the summer weather in the Easter holidays in Great Yarmouth

Mina, 15, from Stalham, said: "It's quite nice feeling like it's the summer during Easter. You can actually do a lot more than you usually would. It's quite pleasant; we can go to the beach."

Her mum Ally, added: "It's lovely today, especially the weather we had earlier in the week. We've had a few wet days but you need a few days at home to do stuff."

Three friends Jill, Joan and Doreen, from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, said they were having a holiday on the east coast, taking in a ride on the sea front road train and enjoying a series of day trips.

"We've been on a couple of trips, to Cromer and Lowestoft tomorrow," said Jill, 79.

"We're on a coach and they're looking after us and we're enjoying it!"

Emma, with her mother Yvonne and children Emmy and Harvey, have been winning lots of toys from arcade machines

Harvey, eight, had been winning prizes from grab machines at some of the amusement arcades.

He said "We got two teddies and yesterday at the arcade we won a giant one and some other toys; and the lady came with the key to the machine to get the prizes for me.

"We won so many things."

Their mum Emma, 34, said: "They like coming down here to the beach, and especially to the arcades."

Debbie, her husband Jason and their son Jayden are enjoying a mini break despite being mindful of how much they spend

Debbie, 43, from Northampton, is on a short break with her husband Jason, 46 and their 15-year-old son Jayden.

She said: "We needed this weather and we needed a little break and Great Yarmouth's a place we've always come to for mini breaks so we are really excited to be here again.

"We're not too bad [financially]. We only do what we can afford, but it's nice weather and we've got the beach. What can go wrong?"