SEAFRONT traders are hoping for a rush of customers over the Easter weekend as temperatures are predicted to soar.

The Met Office says the mercury will rise to a sizzling 21C with Sussex hotter than Marbella and Corfu.

And that is good news for residents, tourists and businesses alike.

Rob Andrew works at Sea Haze Traditional Fishmonger on Brighton seafront.

The 38-year-old said: “The warm weather should be really good. In this job it’s all very weather dependent.

“When it’s scorching hot it sometimes works against us actually because people just want to lie down and sunbathe.

“It’s best when there is sun and a cool breeze blowing across the beach as people come up here looking for food.

“But we did have a bumper year last year because of the heatwave.”

Tim Bat, also known as “Birdyman”, sells bird whistles on Brighton Palace Pier and is looking forward to a brisk few days.

He said: “The mist is slowly rising this afternoon and I’ve already taken my cravat off. If it does get as hot as it says it will I might have to take my cardigan off too.

“It will be great to have more people coming to the city and in a jolly mood. But I just like bringing a smile to people’s face whatever the weather.”

Robbie Carrot the Balloon Man said he could not wait to start his first summer as a street artist on Brighton seafront.

He said: “I’m really excited for the crowds to get here over the weekend. I’m looking forward to it.

“But you don’t want it to get too hot otherwise people usually walk straight past me.”

Travel experts were last night warning of major disruption over the weekend.

More than 15 million cars are expected to take to the roads today.