DAY-trippers and weekenders alike turned out in their droves to enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend in glorious sunshine.

Hotels, pubs and clubs throughout Blackpool were packed to the brim with tourists, proving that Blackpool is as popular a destination as ever with both pub-goers and families.

As one visiting family from Seaham in County Durham confirmed: "We always come to Blackpool on this weekend each year and have always had good weather.

"It did seem extra busy this year but we had a great time as usual and the kids enjoyed the arcades and Pleasure Beach, particularly the new Valhalla ride -- it is just our pockets that suffered," said mum Carol Phillips.

Head of tourism Jane Seddon was pleased with the holiday trade as she commented: "What a fantastic August bank holiday weekend for Blackpool! The sun shone and the visitors streamed in on the M55.

"We were very fortunate with the weather and reports are flooding in that the bank holiday success is set to stay for the week, with hotels being fully booked up."

The Warwick Hotel on the New South Promenade were happy to boast they were full all weekend as duty manager, Keith Gilmore said: "Our business was excellent -- we were full all the way through the weekend and are still full now. We actually had to send people away, although most of our neighbouring hotels were also full."

Night-clubs similarly cashed in on the massive influx of visitors. Duty manager at the Heaven and Hell nightclub on Bank Hey Street, Nick Parkinson, said: "We were at full capacity all four nights and even open until 6am on Sunday.

"It is definitely the best weekend we have experienced all year. The crowd were a real friendly bunch too, who were having a ball."

The Pleasure Beach also buzzed with hundreds of intrepid visitor, who were queueing to experience the thrills of world famous Big One.

A spokesperson commented: "We enjoyed a very successful and busy weekend with crowds of people enjoying the rides and great weather we had."