SOUTH East Cornwall was packed over the weekend with visitors making the most of the last bank holiday of the year and the sunny weather.

Roads to the coast and moors were all busy and the beaches, from Whitsand Bay down to Looe, were full of people swimming and soaking up the sunshine.

At Looe, the manager of the Tourist Information Bureau, Mark Camp, reported 1,400 visitors, mainly looking for accommodation. 'We could have booked more accommodation if we'd had it, but everybody on our books was full,' he said.

'Ironically we were busier last year with people wanting advice on wet weather attractions, but this bank holiday they didn't want advice, they were mainly heading straight for the beach. We had a dip in takings for this reason.'

Hannafore was also busy with virtually nowhere to park on Sunday and Monday, and the grass verge overlooking the sea was full of people having picnics. The putting green was so busy the takings were double a normal week.

Looe harbourmaster Jeff Penhaligon said: 'Looe was extremely busy and full of very nice, happy people. It was a lovely holiday atmosphere.'

At neighbouring Polperro the report was the same. Sub-postmistress and parish councillor Jude Mallarkey said the village's narrow streets were heaving with visitors. 'We were busy all weekend, you could barely move,' she said.

'People had smiles on their faces and were really happy enjoying the sunshine. It was so much better than last year. The car park was mainly full throughout the weekend and there were a lot of visiting coach parties.'

The summer continues next week when the village's Fishermen's Choir will be singing on the quayside on Wednesday. The Polperro Wreckers will entertain afterwards at the Old Mill House.