SAUSAGES and iced lollies have been guzzled in huge quantities in York as sun-seekers take advantage of the sizzling heatwave.

As temperatures have soared into the 80s so have the profits of ice-cream vans, butchers and garden centres.

But the scorching weather has also seen the arrival of the irritating heatwave insect, thysanoptera, commonly known as the thunder bug. Wildlife experts say they thrive on warm, still days and can cause considerable irritation when they get into the eyes and hair.

Alf Douglass, who operates his ice-cream van between 6am and 10pm, said business was booming.

"Everybody wants you when it's like this weather," he said.

"Last week I was down to winter takings and everybody had their fires back on, so this weather has been a godsend after the wet spring. There's plenty of ice-cream to be had."

Maggie Rush, of Graham's Ices, which supplies vans across the region, said: "When the sun shines, people buy ice-cream.

"There's been a substantial increase in sales all round. We've had vans attending five events over the weekend and all have been very successful, and the people who organised these events are very pleased. These included the dragon boat races, and local community events such as school fairs."

Lee Bell, who runs Ged Bell & Son Family Butchers, in Dringhouses, said sales of bacon and sausages had risen sharply because people have held more barbecues.

"You can smell the barbecues from the shop," he said. "We've had to make extra stock because of the huge demand.

"Everybody wants to fire up the barbie when the sun comes out."

Jenny Fisher, of the Water World pool, said they had a very busy weekend because of the weather.

"We are hoping the school holidays will be a bumper six weeks for us because we were closed last year," she said.

"Hopefully, we'll be busy and it'll be a good summer for us this year. When it's warm, Water World is a great place to come."

Elaine Young, of Irton Garden Centre, said: "Our sales of garden furniture have been very good. Barbecues are also selling well."

Barry Theakston, of Sharps World of Wood, at Melbourne, East Yorks, which sells fences and sheds, and garden furniture, said: "Business is picking up to what it was earlier in the year."

:: How are people in York staying cool in the heatwave? CATHY NELIGAN found out

Pat Higson, 53, of Manchester, was in York to celebrate her birthday. She said: "My best tip to stay cool is: 'Drink plenty of water'. Wearing as little as possible helps, and going into shops with air-conditioning." Her husband, Malcolm Higson, 59, said: "Drinking a lot of water and juice helps a lot. Plus driving with the windows open in the car, of course."

Pensioner Phyllis Wilson, of Stockton-on-the-Forest, said: "I'm drinking lots of cold drinks. I tend to stay out of the sun a lot anyway."

Retired Philip Simms, of Cumbria, said: "I'm going to be sitting under a tree, enjoying the sunshine while it lasts."

Tourist Magnar Helland, 36, from Norway, said: "Drink a lot of water and eat ice-cream. Don't walk too much, sit and rest often, and don't drink coffee."

Jas Pahal, 33, a sales manager from Leeds, said: "Compared to India this isn't too bad. I've just got air-conditioning installed at home and a fan."

Updated: 10:19 Tuesday, July 12, 2005