THE contrast could not be greater.

This time last year, the South Coast was buried under a blanket of snow as “The Beast of the East” storm moved in and caused major disruption across the country, including Sussex.

Sub-zero temperatures and a frosty wind chill kept people tucked away at home in front of the fire this time last year.

But things could not look more different this year with thousands of people flocking to the city and seafront, writes Holly Patrick.

The record-breaking temperatures recorded this week reached 20.8C in some parts of the UK and Brighton certainly got its fair share of great weather.

Brighton Palace Pier glistened in the sunshine beneath a cloudless, blue sky, encouraging fun-seekers to spend their change at the pier’s amusements, while there was no sign of the waves and cold wind which is normally associated with this time of year.

Naturally, the warm weather has attracted people down to the beach to soak up the sun.

Some people are even using the weather as an inspiration to make art while dog walkers have also been out in force.

People have been spotted in shorts and flip-flops in stark contrast to this time last year when everyone was wrapped up against the bitter cold and making sure they did not slip in the icy conditions.

Last year, the snow from the Beast of the East caused the seafront sculpture, Afloat, to resemble a sugared doughnut, but the February sunshine made it shimmer like a glazed one instead.

Swimmers and paddle boarders were also seen at the beach making the most of the calm waters while others lounged, ate and chatted on the sun-warmed pebbles while trying to top up their tan without having to spend thousands on a foreign trip to do so.

The only frosty element seen in Brighton recently are the hundreds of ice creams being devoured by visitors as they stroll along the seafront and they are clearly selling in their thousands.

The warm weather is expected to tail off towards the end of this week.

One thing is always certain, though.

Regardless of the time of year, when the sun shines thousands of people from across the city and beyond are guaranteed to flock to the seafront.