SUNWORSHIPPERS headed to Southend yesterday as temperatures finally started to soar.

Temperatures hit 25 degrees yesterday and are expected to be hotter at 26 degrees today.

It is predicted to reach 28 degrees by the end of the week.

Traders are hoping the warm weather will give the seafront a boost for the school holidays.

Roger Fisher, chairman of Southend Seafront Illuminations and Business Association, said: “It always helps when there res a few days of solid weather.

“It gives people that little thought to come to the seafront.

“Now we have got the school holidays coming up it is not just the weekends people will be thinking of coming to the seafront.”

Adventure Island senior manager Gemma Warrilow said: “It has been an excellent day and the seafront is absolutely packed. Over 2,000 school children have come to the park today for their end of term trips.

“The weather has also attracted celebrities. Jade Goody and her family have been here today. The atmosphere is brilliant.”