"WE love Felixstowe!"That was the message from 1,000 pensioners today as they arrived for a day at the seaside – and gave the resort's tourist trade a welcome end of season boost.

"WE love Felixstowe!"

That was the message from 1,000 pensioners today as they arrived for a day at the seaside – and gave the resort's tourist trade a welcome end of season boost.

Fresh air, fish and chips and a few old memories were the ingredients for a great day out for the Cambridge pensioners.

Pensioner power was also setting the tills ringing for traders, who had been warned to stock up ready for the invasion of the grey brigade.

More than 20 coaches brought the senior citizens to town, travelling down the A14 to enjoy seaside sunshine, shopping, lunch and a special show.

The convoy was met at the Spa Pavilion by mayor of Felixstowe Malcolm Minns and chairman of the resort regeneration group, Doreen Savage.

They poured off the coaches outside the theatre – and couldn't wait to be off enjoying themselves.

"I am looking forward to fresh air and fish and chips!" declared Fred Mansfield, 89, as he stepped onto the seafront.

Dorothy and Bill Gardener had fond memories of the resort as the place they used to bring Bill's mum for her holidays.

"We really like Felixstowe. The town is so nice and it's lovely to walk along the prom," said Dorothy.

Kathleen Camps said: "I came here when I was a child. I always remember it for having such a nice straight promenade. I shall be staying on the seafront for my day – I can't manage the slopes up to the town. It's a lovely day and the wind is not too cold, which is the main thing for us older ladies."

Resort co-ordinator and manager of the Felixstowe Tourist Information Centre, Michelle Barr said the town was delighted to again play host to the event.

"We are thrilled that they have chosen Felixstowe again for their day out – they had such a smashing time last year that they decided to come back again," she said.

"We warned all the traders, especially the seafront restaurants, in advance so they would all be open today and could also make sure they had plenty of stock in ready for a busy time!"

It was a great opportunity for the restaurants and cafes at the end of the summer, especially during the week when it was quieter and also as families were preparing to abandon the beach because of the return to school.

The pensioners were set to arrive at 11am and then spend three hours shopping, enjoying the seafront, and having lunch, before returning to the Spa for a show this afternoon.