TRADERS on the Suffolk coast were today heading for their banks after perfect weather brought out the crowds over the long bank holiday weekend.Felixstowe seafront was almost brought to a standstill as the crowds flocked to the resort - leaving leisure bosses rubbing their hands with joy.

TRADERS on the Suffolk coast were today heading for their banks after perfect weather brought out the crowds over the long bank holiday weekend.

Felixstowe seafront was almost brought to a standstill as the crowds flocked to the resort - leaving leisure bosses rubbing their hands with joy.

Amusement boss Charlie Manning could hardly contain his delight: “I think this has been a record weekend for us. It is wonderful!” he said.

“The sea is too cold for swimming at this time of the year and it isn't really warm enough to sit on the beach all day.

“But the sunshine brought the crowds to the seafront and they want to do something while they are here - so that's great for us.

“And our Sunday market was especially busy because the supermarkets don't open on Easter Sunday. At one stage you couldn't get in or out of Felixstowe. My wife took 20 minutes to get along the seafront!”

At the Pier Amusements boss Stan Threadwell told a similar story: “This weather has been fabulous for us. It's the best possible Easter we could have. With the funfair and everything else the town has been really busy,” he said.

“We've had a long, wet winter. Now let's hope this is an indication of a long hot dry summer! That would be great for us here in Felixstowe.

But while most visitors had a wonderful time for some the experience proved expensive after their cars were booked by eagle-eyed parking attendants.

The attendants were busy on Felixstowe seafront on Sunday afternoon as people enjoyed an after-lunch stroll on the beach.

The good news from the weather forecasters is that this fine weather is set to continue for the rest of the week - meaning that youngsters on school holidays will have plenty of opportunities to go out and play.

The bright weather should continue until at least Thursday and even on Friday there is only the prospect of occasional showers to dampen the holiday spirits.

Traffic on roads heading to the coast was very heavy across Suffolk over the bank holiday weekend as crowds headed for Felixstowe, Aldeburgh, Southwold, and other attractive beaches.

One of the most popular tourist attractions on the coast over the weekend was the RSPB reserve at Minsmere where visitors were treated to their first sight of many summer migrants for the year.

Swallows and wheatears flew in after the wind turned from the north to the milder westerly direction.

Send us pictures of your Easter events to Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk.