Thousands of people sizzled on balmy beaches as a heatwave brought sunseekers to the Sussex coast in their droves.

Tens of thousands of tourists are bound for the South Coast over Easter despite a prediction that the hot spell would not last.

Temperatures soared above 80F yesterday but weather experts are warning a cold front could move in.

Tourism officials are expecting the spring heatwave to attract thousands of last-minute tourists to Sussex, many hoping to make the most of the Mediterranean-style weather despite the gloomy warnings.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "We are going to see a major, major change in the weather over the next couple of days."

Tourists in Brighton have been told to expect highs of just 9C on Saturday, rising to 13C on Monday.

Richard Baker, president of the Brighton and Hove Hotels Association and manager of The Grand hotel, said: "There is a last-minute surge of bookings, but that is just Brighton.

"I believe the population of the resort doesn't revolve around good weather."

Crowds are expected to be swelled by the appearance in Brighton of the Harlem Globetrotters all-star basketball team and home ties for Sussex County Cricket Club and Brighton and Hove Albion's crunch relegation clash with Sheffield Wednesday on Monday.

Hundreds are expected to head for Eastbourne to enjoy the first Sussex Cup Regatta.

Gatwick was expecting more than 380,000 passengers from yesterday until Monday.

The busiest day will be Saturday, with 82,000 passengers expected.