Thousands flock to South coast to make most of the sunshine

• Video report by ITV News Meridian's Charlotte Briere-Edney

The hottest day of the year so far has brought out the thousands who've headed to beaches and rivers, making them the busiest they've been in weeks.

Many were pictured soaking up the sun at places like Bournemouth beach, Hove seafront and Margate as temperatures reached up to 26 degrees.

However, many seaside resorts like Brighton, Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight are still asking visitors to stay away.

Brighton and Hove Councillor Carmen Appich has shared concerns that too many visitors will make it impossible for social distancing to take place.

In Southend-on-Sea, the beach was packed with visitors who had travelled miles to soak up the sun, sea and sand.

While the weather looks bright, ice cream sellers have had to adapt their businesses in order to keep running.

• Watch below how one ice cream seller in Southampton is doing it

However many companies that rely on sunshine for trade still can't open.

Jim Sneddon, who runs a boat hire firm in Henley in Oxfordshire, is worried rules won't be relaxed until the season is over.

He says: "It's very frustrating. The way things are looking at the moment it's looking like there's not going to be much business at all this year."

With the UK enjoying such sunny weather, it is no wonder we want to be outside.

But local authorities are reminding everyone to use common sense if we are to be able to continue making the most of it.