BUSINESSES have enjoyed a bumper Easter weekend - thanks to some early summer sunshine and the 'Broadchurch effect'.

Firms in West Bay enjoyed floods of visitors over the Bank Holiday weekend - and are hopeful it is a sign of things to come this summer.

Richard Attrill from Harbour News said: "I have been trading in this area for 40 years and I have never known an Easter like it.

"We still get some people coming off the back of Broadchurch, but it's good for them to see what else is on offer at West Bay. People come from all over the world because of Broadchurch and I still get sent junk mail for Jack Marshall - which I give out to the fans."

Other West Bay businesses are hoping the busy weekend will bode well for a busy summer season in West Dorset.

Rebecca McCormick, supervisor at the Watch House Cafe, said: "I think people see it on the television and there's still a few adverts about.

"It's a beautiful place so why would people not want to visit?

"It has been manic but manageable. It has definitely been positive looking ahead to the summer. Everyone is always happy in the sun so it's always nice - it makes everyone smile."

The leader of a Bridport business group said he wants to work with businesses to help them get the most out of the thriving tourism industry.

President of Bridport Business Chamber, Richard Smith said: "Being an area that relies heavily on tourism, it's great to have such a good start with the Easter weekend enjoying some good weather.

"Hopefully this is a sign of things to come. Having recently talked to a number of businesses in West Bay, there have been mixed feelings over the winter as some have seen better than expected results and others haven't.

"I'm keen to work with all businesses in the region to make sure we make the most of what seems to be an economic upturn."

Temperatures reached 16°C on Monday, with the sunshine lasting well into the evening - but West Bay was heaving throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.

Kim Dear, retail assistant at Samways Fish Merchants said: "I was down here over the weekend and it was so busy.

"It's nice to see everyone out and about and lots of new faces. The tourists love seeing all the fish on show. People come in and are amazed at what we have have on offer - which I think we probably take for granted."