Hundreds of people have enjoyed their Sunday (May 17) on the beach at Weston-super-Mare on the first weekend since the lockdown restrictions in place amid the coronavirus pandemic were eased.
The seafront was awash with windsurfers and sunbathers as daytrippers made the most of the fine spring weather and headed for the coast.
Changes to the restrictions on movement that were first introduced in March were made last week and mean that people can now drive for an unlimited distance to carry out exercise.
It is clear that the new rules are music to the ears of the windsurfers who were snapped in the sea, with many bound to have been enjoying the waves for the first time this year.
Fish and chip shops and ice cream huts along the seafront were also busy taking advantage in the upturn in visitors to drum up business for the first time since the lockdown.
The appearance of crowds has not been welcomed by all, though, with many raising concerns that the easing of restrictions could lead to a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases.
This is particularly relevant in Somerset, which has seen one of the lowest rates of the virus across the country, although North Somerset - in which Weston-super-Mare sits - has seen both the most infections and highest rate of infection out of the county's six council districts.
North Somerset Council was also keen to deter visitors to the area earlier this week, having put out a message on their social media channels urging people to stay away.
Weston-super-Mare is by no means the only place that has attracted large numbers of visitors over the weekend.
Car parks across the Mendip Hills were full yesterday as walkers headed for the beauty spot, while there were complaints from residents in Dunster and Minehead about people flocking to the beaches in the two seaside resorts.
