With temperatures in Norfolk rivaling those of foreign sunny climes the weather has provided a major boost for the region's tourist industry.Joe Osborne from Weatherquest, the weather forecasting service based at the University of East Anglia, said the temperatures had equaled the previous highest record at its weather station in Morley.

With temperatures in Norfolk rivaling those of foreign sunny climes the weather has provided a major boost for the region's tourist industry.

Joe Osborne from Weatherquest, the weather forecasting service based at the University of East Anglia, said the temperatures had equaled the previous highest record at its weather station in Morley.

The temperature at the station, which has been used for taking readings since 1980, registered 26.8c on Sunday afternoon, exactly the same as the previous highest temperature recorded on May 5 1995.

But elsewhere in the county, the temperature was believed to be even higher with temperatures hitting 27c in the west and central Norfolk, though coastal areas remained cooler, at around 20c.

Tourists were out in force in Norwich on Sunday as the blue sky and sunshine created a perfect backdrop to explore the historic city.

Armed with maps, the castle proved a popular attraction for young and old alike as well as the riverside area.

Ian Russell, director of Wroxham Barns, said: “I think the weather this weekend has provided a big boost for the whole area. There is a sense of optimism and the desire to discover things, and the weather has certainly helped the whole sector, especially those businesses and attractions by the river and along the coast.”

Although there was a misty and foggy start to the morning on Saturday along the north Norfolk coast, sunshine started to ease through the clouds late on Saturday afternoon and into Sunday.

Making the most of the weather, were scores of people who had travelled to the coast to take a dip in the sea or just relax on the beach.