Businesses on the sunshine coast look set for a busy Easter weekend, thanks to predictions of good weather.

Forecasters MeteoGroup say the region will enjoy temperatures of 14 degrees Celsius from Friday with high levels of sunshine - warmer than other parts of Europe.

Lee Nash, manager of The Martello Inn, in Marine Parade, Clacton, has already ensured he will have more staff than usual on his rota this weekend.

He said: "When it's sunny we're absolutely packed, especially as we're on the seafront.

"The weather makes a difference, without a doubt.

"We were busier last weekend than we were on Mothers' Day because it was good weather."

He added: "We're hoping this will be a taste of things to come for the summer."

Cafe 19, in Connaught Avenue, Frinton, also hopes to capitalise on the good weather.

Manager Andrew Spratt said: "It's been a long winter so we will be glad of more business."