South Essex seafronts were handed a huge business boost after four remarkable days over Easter.

As the county basked in summery conditions thanks to a major heatwave, visitors, families and sun seekers rushed to the Canvey and Southend seafront to catch some much-needed rays.

Traders were delighted with boom town conditions.

Terry Jones, 45, cafe worker on Canvey said: “As we are so weather dependant, it’s wonderful for us.

“We are hugely pleased with a big trade boost – give us more is what I say about it.

“It seems the weather gods are looking down on us and smiling away.

“This helps set us up for the year and summer.

“Some places needed to call in the extra staff.”

Kerry Baxter, 21, Southend seafront cafe worker, added: “It’s been so busy.

“We expected a good few days but it seems nobody could predict how it went.

“We are very tired but pleased with how it’s all gone.

“The Shakedown helped us a lot as it’s a major draw for people.

“We also have to think of the clean up but we have praise for the council.”

James Courtenay, Southend councillor for growth, said: “We are working to extend our seafront provision but of course the sunshine is a huge draw for us.

“The weekend was just booming everywhere, the seafront, pier and traders.

“The council has been working to be responsive and had staff directing traffic.

“We believe it was very successful. I don’t know why people moan about it being busy. Bring on more I say.”

An operation was launched by Southend Council to cope with the huge number of tourists that were expected to flood into the town this weekend.

Operation Heatwave, normally only used for peak summer weekends, was underway for the Easter bank holiday weekend.

Southend’s Community Safety Team were patrolling the town centre and seafront throughout the weekend, with security firm Stambridge providing extra help to visitors on Monday.

Children’s wristbands were handed out for safety reasons.