The hottest day of the year so far sent trippers swarming to Southend's beaches.
Beach baby - Grace Crickmore, three, at Three Shells beach on Western Esplanade
A warm sea heated by temperatures that soared to 28C (82 F) soon had people of all ages dipping their toes.
But south Essex residents forced to commute into the centre of London were left envying friends and family left on the beach.
A Met Office spokesman said: "The hottest place in the UK was central London, where the temperature reached 31.3C (88 F).
Published Wednesday June 9, 2004
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