Thousands flocked to the beaches as Sussex basked in glorious Easter sunshine.

All roads south to the county's resorts were packed with people seeking a day out by the seaside.

As temperatures reached the mid-fifties, some trippers even went for a dip in the chilly English Channel.

Brighton's seafront officers reported beach-front shops, restaurants, bars and cafes were busy with customers, many in T-shirts and shorts.

A spokeswoman said: "Traders have opened for the first proper weekend of the season and they are doing very well.

"The beaches are packed with people sitting out enjoying the sun. The water is still a bit on the cold side and only a few were brave enough to go in for a swim. Everyone seems to be having a good time and we have not had any problems to deal with so far."

Police said there were few problems on roads into the city, and traffic was flowing freely.

An AA spokesman said there were no hold-ups on the M23 or A23 and only minor delays of a few minutes on the M25.

Gatwick Airport was expecting to see 400,000 passengers pass through both terminals over the weekend.

A spokesman said: "Favourite destinations seem to be Florida and the Spanish resorts."

In Eastbourne, pier general manager Graeme Sanderson said: "It is as if we have gone straight from winter into summer.

"We have been exceptionally busy and I'm hoping it's going to continue, with a lot of people taking out speedboats. It's Eastbourne at its best."

Eastbourne lifeboat towed in the cabin cruiser Shukitwo with three people on board, which was disabled after fishing nets wrapped around her propellers.

Ice cream seller Faye Hardwick, 26, said: "I've been back and forth trying to keep up with the demand.

"The good weather seems to have come out of the blue."

The AA said the A21 into Hastings was busy.

In Worthing, visitors were impressed by the sight of 18 giant palm-like cordyline trees planted along the promenade this week.

Mac Skeet, a foreshore inspector for 19 years, said: "The promenade is packed and attractions like the pier and the Lido are busy."

In Littlehampton, a Harbour Park entertainment complex spokesman described the town as "thriving."

He added: "We have had a lot of people come along to look at the world's largest hot cross bun, which was baked for us as an Easter attraction."

In neighbouring Bognor, the crowds were also out, to the delight of seafront traders.