Keen to take advantage of sunny skies and high temperatures, East Anglia holidaymakers are flocking to the coast for the long weekend.

Eastern Daily Press: People enjoying the hot weather at Lowestoft. Picture : ANTONY KELLYPeople enjoying the hot weather at Lowestoft. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

The warm weather forecast for the bank holiday weekend has seen a rush of last minute bookings at coastal resorts.

Mandy Kennett, an administration manager at Eastern Beach Caravan Park in Caister said there had been an 'absolutely manic' last minute rush to make bookings. 'It was slow all week and then on Wednesday the phone didn't stop ringing,' she said. 'I couldn't leave my desk.'

Haven Hopton Holiday Village in Great Yarmouth reported six new bookings on Thursday morning alone, while further up the coast, Waxham Sands Holiday Park manager Harry Hopcroft said they were already fully booked. 'There's always a last minute rush when the weather is good and we're full this weekend.' Lowestoft-based self-catering specialist Hoseasons reported a big spike in demand for last-minute getaways. The company said bookings for its lodges, parks, boats and cottages over the last seven days were up 36% compared to the same period last year, with bookings for the eastern region up 63%.

Phil Garner, a forecaster at Weatherquest, said a 'mixed weather weekend' lay ahead with bright sunshine, high temperatures and even some rain expected between now and Monday. He said Friday would be dry and sunny with temperatures reaching 25C to 26C in some areas. 'On Saturday we'll see a change. The morning will be dry but we're expecting a few showers in the mid to late afternoon, but temperatures will reach 27C.

Eastern Daily Press: People enjoying the hot weather at Lowestoft. Picture : ANTONY KELLYPeople enjoying the hot weather at Lowestoft. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

'Sunday will be a dryer, brighter day with a high of 24C. Monday looks like it'll be fairly cloudy with some chance of rain. Temperatures will be a bit cooler, with highs around 19C.'

Retail stores are preparing to take advantage of the good weather with barbeques, garden leisure furniture, suncreens and even children's paddling pools in demand. Wilco Lowestoft store manager Tracy Metcalfe said they were expecting a busy weekend. 'Barbeques are a big seller but anything to do with outside sells really well,' she said.

Health experts have warned anyone outdoors this weekend to take precautions including wearing suncreen, sunhats and staying hydrated with water.

Kevin Brown, Director of Service Delivery for East of England Ambulance Service said: 'We can all help each other by taking measures to avoid needing medical help over the long weekend.

Eastern Daily Press: People enjoying the hot weather at Lowestoft. Picture : ANTONY KELLYPeople enjoying the hot weather at Lowestoft. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

'If you or a loved one have a long-term health condition, sort out your prescription as soon as possible and if you are unwell, don't let it deteriorate and get checked out.

'We want to provide the best care possible and to be there as quickly as possible for those with life-threatening conditions such as a stroke, heart attack, or for those with breathing difficulties. If it is not life-threatening, please contact NHS 111, log on to NHS Choices for information, or use walk-in centres.'

Plans to ease congestion

More than 300 miles of roadworks are being lifted to help ease congestion this bank holiday weekend.

Highways England said almost 98pc of motorways and strategic A roads will be free of roadworks from May 26 to May 30.

In the east of England, around 27 miles of roadworks will be completed, and a further ten miles suspended by 6am on Friday.

It includes two miles of lane closures on the A12 near Great Yarmouth and the A12 near Beccles.

Highways England said it will allow for speed restrictions to be lifted and more lanes to open.

Some of the roadworks being lifted include:

• M1 junctions 20 to 21, near Leicester.

• A14 junction 27, near Huntingdon.

• A1 junction 17 A1M, near Peterborough.

• M1 junctions 20 to 21, near Leicester.

The roadworks being completed include:

• A14, near Cambridge.

The perfect barbie

The sun is out, the sky is blue - so it has to be time to get the barbies out.

Every summer people get hot under the collar about whether gas or charcoal is best.

Forget arguing and get cooking on whichever you prefer.

I use both. Gas is best for speed and convenience, while if you've got more time then cooking the more traditional way is a joy.

For me the key is getting the taste right and not rushing.

Of course as soon as the smell of a banger or a burger or a steak starts to enter the nostrils, the danger is to try to dive in too soon.

Don't cook too low or you'll get a burnt outside and undercooked inside.

I know it's obvious, but the better the meat, the better the taste. We have so many great butchers, so let's use them.

And yes, barbecuing is a man's job.....

Forget the arguments - just enjoy the barbie!