Sunny weather helped towns and local businesses "thrive again" after a long and difficult winter - with many reporting their busiest weekend so far.

Most shops were forced to close during the coronavirus lockdown - and even when restrictions were eased, the chilly weather kept many indoors.

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But the Bank Holiday weekend has been a scorcher, with temperatures reaching as high as 23C in Santon Downham.

Ipswich Star: Huge queues for fish and chips lined the prom in FelixstoweHuge queues for fish and chips lined the prom in Felixstowe (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Seafronts were busy with walkers and sunbathers on the beach, with many cooling down by having a dip in sea and eating some ice cream.

A spokesperson for Weatherquest, the East Anglia-based forecaster, said on Monday: "Santon Downham reached 23C today and elsewhere it has been a bit cooler reaching 21 and 22C.

"The coastal areas have been cooler and based on the forecast it was around 14C on the coasts."

Ipswich Star: Jade and Charlotte taking a selfie on the Ipswich waterfrontJade and Charlotte taking a selfie on the Ipswich waterfront (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Jessie Fetherby, owner of The Little Ice Cream Company, said: "It has been very busy, it's brilliant.

"When I was preparing in the morning, I saw a steady stream of cars coming into Felixstowe and I was thinking it is going to be very busy.

Ipswich Star: Crowds descended upon Felixstowe to enjoy the bank holidayCrowds descended upon Felixstowe to enjoy the bank holiday (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

"We have had a queue all day which is perfect and it kinds of makes up for times gone by.

"It has been the best weekend we've had this year.

Ipswich Star: Crowds flocked to Felixstowe to soak up the sun on Bank Holiday MondayCrowds flocked to Felixstowe to soak up the sun on Bank Holiday Monday (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

"It takes a while to find your feet again. It is almost like starting a brand new business.

"It's absolutely brilliant to see people back in Felixstowe. It is almost a sad place without all the people."

Ipswich Star: People enjoying the warm weather in Christchurch Park in IpswichPeople enjoying the warm weather in Christchurch Park in Ipswich (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Warm weather is forecast again for tomorrow.