SUNLOVERS have been making the most of the sunshine as north Essex sizzled in temperatures over 30C.

Yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far – and the heat is due to last until the weekend.

Parks and beaches across the county have been filled with people soaking up the rays.

Jane Ashmore, from the Little Beach Hut Company in Mersea, said: “It’s beautiful, sunny and hot. It could be the Mediterranean.

“We’ve had to buy more parasols for the huts.

“There is a breeze down here, which is nice. It’s going to be busy, busy, busy this weekend.”

Experts say the scorching conditions have been caused by a plume of warm air hitting the UK from the Continent.

Full story in today's Gazette.