Sussex is gearing up for a busy bank holiday weekend as more people opt for staycations.

Many families are opting to holiday at home rather than fly abroad as the school half term holiday gets underway.

And with major roadworks being suspended over the weekend day trippers will find it easier to get to popular destinations across the county.

With weather forecasters predicting a mixture of sunshine and cloud the streets of Brighton and Hove are expected to be busy as Brighton Festival draws to a close.

Many hotels are already fully booked for the three-day break and city centre traders are expecting a busy weekend if the rain holds off.

Paul Fearon, deputy general manager of The Grand Hotel, said: “We are fully booked for the weekend which is excellent news."

David Sewell, chairman of North Laine Traders Association, said shop owners will benefit if it stays dry and does not get too hot.

The weather looks set to favour the traders with a mixture of sunshine, cloud and showers over the weekend.