Tracey GraySoaring temperatures hit record levels across Norfolk yesterday as thousands flocked to the beaches and weekend events.The bright sunshine also provide a welcome boost to tourist attractions.Tracey Gray

Soaring temperatures hit record levels across Norfolk yesterday as thousands flocked to the beaches and weekend events.

The bright sunshine also provide a welcome boost to tourist attractions.

Joe Osborne from Weatherquest, the weather forecasting service based at the University of East Anglia, said the temperatures had equaled the previous highest record at its weather station in Morley.

The temperature at the station, which has been used for taking readings since 1980, registered 26.8C yesterday afternoon, the same as the previous highest temperature recorded on May 5, 1995.

But elsewhere in the county, the temperature was believed to be even higher, with temperatures hitting 27C in the west and central Norfolk, though coastal areas remained cooler, at around 20C.

Tourists were out in force in Norwich yesterday as the blue sky and sunshine created a perfect backdrop to explore the historic city.

Armed with maps, the castle proved a popular attraction for young and old alike as well as the riverside area.

Ian Russell, director of Wroxham Barns, said: "I think the weather this weekend has provided a big boost for the whole area. There is a sense of optimism and the desire to discover things, and the weather has certainly helped the whole sector, especially those businesses and attractions by the river and along the coast."

Although there was a misty and foggy start to the morning on Saturday along the north Norfolk coast, sunshine started to ease through the clouds late on Saturday afternoon and into Sunday.

Making the most of the weather were scores of people who had travelled to the coast to take a dip in the sea or just relax on the beach.

The sunshine also provided the perfect back-drop for many attractions across the region.

Albert Jones, managing director of the Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, said: "We have seen a massive increase in numbers

this weekend. Obviously the weather has been fantastic and Yarmouth was very busy along the seafront."

Thousands also lapped up the sun at the Pensthorpe Wild

About The Wensum event on Saturday and at Fakenham Races yesterday with dozens of youngsters cooling off by getting into the river.

Forecasters at Weatherquest predict that over the course of the next few days, although there will continue to be sunshine, temperatures will not be as high as at the weekend.

For the bank holiday next weekend, there will also be much milder temperatures and it will be cloudy, with the possibility even of some rain.