THE fog may have descended on Suffolk early today making it a dank, dark and miserable start of the day.

THE fog may have descended on Suffolk early today making it a dank, dark and miserable start of the day.

But by lunchtime it had turned almost spring like and as can be seen by these photos on Ipswich waterfront many people were taking advantage of the sunshine … and even dining out.

One Star reader who was enjoying the atmosphere alongside the wet dock likened it to the Monte Carlo.

“It's truly wonderful out here today. The swans are in the water and the sun is shining … it's a fantastic sight.”

Shops and restaurants threw their windows open so diners could enjoy the crisp, sunny day just two weeks before Christmas.

Sophie French, a waitress at Pizza Expresst, said: “It is absolutely gorgeous. It is a bit chilly but as long as you are wrapped up it is great. The light is bouncing off the water so it is ever so pretty.”

Unseasonal sunshine and temperatures of 8C encouraged shoppers to take a break from their festive preparations for a meal or a leisurely cup of coffee.

Rianne Swan, duty manager at the Salthouse Hotel, said: “It is really sunny today and with the boats, it is really lovely. People are having a cup of coffee, looking out of the windows and just relaxing.”