The multi-agency plan to welcome visitors back safely to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole seems to be going well.

Over the bank holiday weekend, more than 300,000 people visited the area, with over 1,200 downloading the BCP Beach Check app, making 32,000 overall that are using it to find safer and less congested spots along the seafront.

Cllr Mohan Iyengar, portfolio holder for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, BCP Council, said: “We have just experienced a great bank holiday weekend. Hotels have been full, restaurants busy and a whole load of other attractions have served customers in the hundreds.

“Credit goes to the officers across the council, police, fire and other authorities who have been on alert.

“Looking forward, we’ve a lot to be positive about this summer. The Festival Coast Live kicks off in June with more than 200 events across our three towns and it culminates in the Air Festival in September – the biggest one we’ll have laid on. It positions us as a fabulous resort in the UK with beaches we’re proud of and hospitality second to none.”