DEVON sweltered during the hottest weekend of the year so far as temperatures soared in the glorious sunshine.

Temperatures reached up to 24C (75F) — hotter than Rome, Athens, Barcelona and even Cairo.

Visitor attractions and tourism businesses enjoyed a bumper few days as the sun brought thousands of people out to sample what Devon had to offer.

The region's beaches were packed with sunbathers. And the sun brought some much-needed relief to businesses as hopes grew for a busy summer season ahead.

Andrew Sibley, forecaster for the Met Office, said the fine weather should continue for a few more days — but things would cool off later this week.

He said: "It was a fine weekend in Exeter with temperatures reaching around 24C.

"It is officially the hottest weekend of the year so far. It should stay largely dry through the rest of the week, but there may be a risk of a few showers towards the weekend."

Heavy traffic was reported on the M5 near Exeter on Saturday, and roads around coastal resorts were busy throughout the weekend.

The beach at Exmouth was full and shops did a roaring trade in ice creams, buckets and spades and sun cream in the blistering sunshine.

Malcolm Dart, of Broadfields, Exeter, travelled to Exmouth beach with wife Lynn and their children Liam, 14, Aimee, 13, and Ryan, ten.

"We are having an absolutely fabulous day," he said.

"The kids are really enjoying the weather and they are especially enjoying pottering in the rock pool.

"We are slapping on lots of lotion as the sun is so hot. When the weather is like this there is no point going abroad."

Bridget Ricketts, of Topsham, was at the beach with her grandchildren Shaun, seven, and Louis, four, who were visiting from the Midlands.

"It is lovely for my grandchildren to spend some time by the sea," she said.

"They are not used to going to the beach so it is a real treat for them. We have been building lots of sand castles using buckets and spades.

"Although it is busy on the beach, it is not too crowded, so the atmosphere is very pleasant indeed. The sunshine really brings out the best in Devon."

Nigel Snowshall, of Exmouth Beach Rescue, said the influx of people on the beach was watched by around 20 beach rescue volunteers.

Claire Heard, of Fortes Cafe on Exmouth seafront, said: "It's been absolutely manic. Takings-wise it has been the best weekend of the year so far."

At Crealy Adventure Park, managing director Angela Wright said: "The sunshine is perfect timing for us and the weather does have a big impact on the park.

Annette Cole, of South West Tourism, said: "The good forecast brings in lots of takings and people involved in the tourism industry welcome the sunshine and the new business that comes with it."