BUSINESSES all over Suffolk are today toasting what many described as a record Easter weekend.

Soaring temperatures and wall-to-wall sunshine saw families flocking to the seaside and inland attractions to enjoy the four-day holiday.

Attractions, restaurants, shops and events reported bumper business as people made the most of the wonderful weather.

In Aldeburgh, traders said Easter had been busier than carnival week with the popular resort packed with visitors.

Andrew Lister, owner of the 152 restaurant in High Street, Aldeburgh, said: “It’s been the best Easter we have had in ten years, both in terms of customers and revenue.

“It’s been incredible.

“I don’t think we could have got any more people into the town – it’s been packed.”

A spokeswoman for Baggots newsagents in High Street said: “We have been busier than carnival week.

“The weather has been superb and there have been so many people in the town. It’s wonderful.”

Stephen Bournes, owner of Southwold Pier, said it had been a “phenomenal” weekend.

“It’s been like August – the weather is just unbelievable and we have been incredibly busy. Everyone is enjoying themselves,” he said.

“It’s great because last year we seemed to hit bad weather for every Bank Holiday.”

At Felixstowe, the prom was packed every day with walkers, gardens and beaches busy with people sunbathing, relaxing and enjoying picnics, and even people paddling and swimming in the sea.

Restaurants, takeaways, kiosks and pubs all reported good business.

Stan Harris, of Ocean Amusements, which operates the rides and kiosk off the prom, said: “In all the 35 years I have been here, I have never known an Easter like this – it’s the best we have ever had, really good.

“There have been so many people on the prom and all the ice cream and drinks kiosks have had people queuing up.

“It’s been a bit slower on the rides, but I think people are being a bit careful with their money because of the current climate and also we have another Bank Holiday weekend coming up. Overall, I am optimistic for the season but we mustn’t be complacent.”

Jane Olgun, tourist information assistant at Bury St Edmunds Tourist Information Centre, said: “I would say it’s been quite busy here for a bank holiday.

“Quite often, especially when it’s nice, people tend to go more to the coast, but perhaps because there’s a few nice days they are doing other things.”