THE early heatwave and sunshine are bringing sightseers flocking to York, tourism chiefs revealed today.

Despite some parts of Britain being forecast to be hit by snow this weekend, the city today looked set for yet another balmy weekend - and more tourists.

Gillian Cruddas, of York Tourism Bureau, said she was happy to see the warm weather in York continue.

She said: "When it's bright and sunny, that's fantastic for tourism and we've got off to a very good start this year. Good weather encourages tourists and means they spend longer doing things they probably wouldn't do if it was cold.

"I imagine the open-top buses are doing brilliantly, and people are definitely enjoying the street entertainment.

"We don't have official figures for the beginning of the year yet, but I've spoken to different shops, cafés, bars and tourist sites, and their feedback has been very positive."

Meanwhile, Jacky Mallinson of Debbie's Ice-cream, in Stonegate, York, said sales had rocketed during the sunny Easter period. She said: "We're always pleased to see hot weather and it's great that it's going to continue."

The Met Office has forecast freezing temperatures for some areas of the UK and the Highways Agency has warned of icy road conditions.

But according to forecasting service MeteoGroup, sunkissed York will enjoy temperatures as high as 18 degrees Celsius (64F) on Saturday and Sunday.

Rachel Vince, MeteoGroup spokeswoman, said: "There is definitely no snow forecast for the York area. Today and tomorrow will be cooler than what we've had over the last few days, and there will also be more cloud and the chance of a few spots of rain.

"But, by the weekend, we've got warmer air pushing in, with sunshine forecast and temperatures going up to 18C by Sunday."

She said rural areas surrounding York might wake up to a frost tomorrow, but she confirmed there would be no sign of the snow that is expected to grip other parts of the UK.

According to the Met Office, temperatures are set to plummet in southern England while, in northern Scotland, the Welsh hills and the Pennines, snow is forecast for tomorrow night.