SPRING sunshine prompted summery scenes in York and a mass east coast daytrip get-away.

The higher than usual temperatures and several hours of sunshine saw people taking to the city walls, river areas and Museum Gardens on both Saturday and yesterday.

Des Emmerson, barman at the King's Arms, in King's Staith, said: "We were mobbed on Saturday, packed out.

"Yesterday was less busy, but that was probably because of Mother's Day."

Visitors to York were enjoying the sunshine as they took in the sights.

Liverpudlians Sandra and Dave Drohan were strolling across Ouse Bridge.

Sandra said: "This is our first time here, we've been really lucky with the weather. Everyone seems really friendly too."

University of York student Stephanie Luescher, from Switzerland, was in town with visiting friend Miriam Rahn.

Miriam said: "From what I have seen so far York looks very pretty."

Despite the large numbers of day trippers heading for the east coast, no serious traffic build-up or problems were reported on the A64, A170 A1237 or A1079.

Denise Whitelow, information clerk at Scarborough Tourist Information Centre, said: "It was seething with people yesterday. We opened at 10am. It was quite busy then, and from noon onwards it was packed."

Helen Hall, tourism assistant at Bridlington, said: "It started off busy and got busier. We had the world and his friend in."

Temperatures peaked at 14 C (57 F) in York yesterday, with 16C (61F) on Saturday.

Scarborough was the sunniest place in the country yesterday, with day trippers basking in a glorious ten hours and 40 minutes of sunshine.

The forecast was for another pleasant day today, with an unsettled middle of the week.

A PA weather spokesman said: "Expect some rain tomorrow morning and a fresher feel, followed by showers and sunny spells. The wind is also due to pick up, with quite a fresh northerly on Wednesday, but the better weather could return by the end of the week."

Updated: 11:46 Monday, March 31, 2003