The sunshine has brought attractions a great start to the season and encouraged holidaymakers to book hotel, camping and Broads boating breaks.

Chairman of Broads Tourism Barbara Greasley, a director of Wroxham hire boat firm Norfolk Broads Direct, said their holiday boat bookings were already 10% up on the same time last year and the warm weather had encouraged even more families to fix their summer break.

'We did very good business on our day boats last weekend, even though some are still undergoing winter maintenance, and we have been making plans to put on more staff and boats this weekend,' she said.

'It's the best possible start to the season and gives everyone a nice cushion.'

Hetti Simpson, owner of Norfolk Hideaways, said: 'Having North Norfolk bathed in sunshine has had a positive impact on last-minute bookings and it's encouraging people to think about holidays full stop.

'Our bookings are up a whopping 22 per cent on this time last year, so we're keeping our fingers crossed it keeps on shining.'

Brendan Hopkins, owner of The Hoste in Burnham Market, said: 'The Hoste is the recognised gateway to our beautiful North Norfolk Coast with over half of our customers coming to us from outside the area.

'Good weather always brings more visitors and we have seen a noticeable increase in bookings over the past week or so.'

Ian Russell, director of Wroxham Barns, said: 'The last two weeks has seen a huge uplift in visitors to attractions including Wroxham Barns.

'The weather in Norfolk so far this year confirms that we have a very favourable climate for holidaymakers and places us in a good position for Easter.'

David Horton-Fawkes, estates director at Holkham said: 'After all the storm damage it is good to see the area coming to life with the warm weather we have been enjoying.

'With the temperatures rising last weekend and expected this weekend, it is really a much-needed boost for all businesses along the coast.'

Martin Dupee, director of operations at Banham Zoo, Africa Alive and Dinosaur Adventure, said all attendance records for the time of year were broken last weekend.

Meanwhile, recovery work from December's tidal surge has been completed across Great Yarmouth beaches.

Council leader Trevor Wainwright said: 'This was a huge and important operation as tourism is worth about £550 million to the local economy.

'The borough, particularly Hemsby, received national attention during the surge, and it is vital that everyone now realises we are spick and span, and open for business.'

Is your business thriving in the sunshine? Email stephen.pullinger@archant.co.uk