Thousands flocked to Brighton seafront to make the most of the fine bank holiday weather.

Scores of deckchairs were set up along the shoreline and crowds kept staff at beachfront bars and cafes busy.

A few hardy souls even braced the sea for a dip yesterday.

Traffic from London Road into the city centre was almost at a standstill from late morning as motorists arrived from the capital.

Despite the throngs of people, seafront businesses reported mixed outcomes.

Derek Dobson, the managing director of Travelite which offers secure storage facilities for people using the beach, said: "We have been really busy. We had been expecting a lot of bikers leaving their leathers and helmets."

But other traders were less fortunate.

Bruce Smith, who runs the Sunrise Cycles hire shop on the front, said: "This has not been a good bank holiday for business and Sunday was particularly bad."

"I have been here for ten years and this Easter was probably the worst I have ever had."

The seafront was a hive of activity with sporty types rollerblading, or playing basketball or beach volleyball.

Amy Taylor, who was on holiday from Devon, said: "It's really nice sitting on the seafront with a drink. I'm so pleased the sun has been out for most of the day."

But there was anger from parents who took their children to use the new beachfront play facilities near the West Pier.

These were due to open over the weekend but a message from Brighton and Hove City Council officer David Fleming said: "Unfortunately we have had more rain than even Bob the Builder could cope with."

Mr Fleming said he hoped the facilities would open by the end of May.

James Simister, of Bates Road, Preston Park, turned up with his son John, five, and daughter Nina, three.

He said: "We were expecting it to be open. The kids had to walk quite a long way and are very disappointed. The council should not make promises it can't keep."