by Lewis Dyson

Island traders have been delighted after record temperatures boosted business.

According to the Met Office, Sheerness experienced a high of 29.9C on Saturday - making it the hottest October day since records began.

Sunday stayed hot, with the mercury hitting 29C.

Many traders have reported more than double the usual takings for this time of year.

Beverly Auston, licensee of The Old House at Home, Queenborough, said: "It was mad. We had a better two days than we did in the height of the summer.

"We had a barbecue going and everyone was happy.

"Obviously you do not expect to be having a barbecue on October 1."

She estimates trade was up by 50 per cent year on year.

In Leysdown, Ron Wood's Fish & Chips ran out of food on both days and had to shut early due to unusually high demand.

Owner Ron Wood said: "It was an unexpected but welcome surprise.

"We were winding down for the winter, battening down the hatches, and it just caught us with our pants down.

"It was like an extra bank holiday with families coming out to grab the last sun of the year.

"It shows you that even in a recession, if the sun shines, everyone's happy and out enjoying themselves."

Edward Moran, boss of The Playa, The Leas, Minster, said trade was up from this time last year.

"We got a lot of passing trade," he said.

"I would like a weekend like that every week."

Holiday parks also enjoyed the added demand.

Donna Hough, general manager of Hart's and Sheerness holiday parks, is awaiting sales figures but estimates that overall takings were up by 20%.

She said: "It was like your average high season, especially for day-trippers going to Leysdown.

"The clubhouses at both sites were very busy and caravan sales went really well.

"It certainly brought a lot of people from London and Essex."

• The fine weather came as a result of high pressure over Europe which sent winds blowing from the south, bringing with it the warm air from the Mediterranean and France.