Morales boosted by early summer

CANTERBURY has recently witnessed a sudden upturn in tourism thanks to this years early summer. With temperatures reaching a high of 26 degrees, residents have also been enjoying the sun. Parks have seen a busy April with ice creams and drinks sales booming.

Dane Johns Gardens

Local market traders are claiming this years weather has been attracting more shoppers than ever and subsequently a rise in profits.

Fruit and veg stall owner Gary Steinsen, 38, Edgar Rd, said: "The good weather coming early this year has definitely helped trade.

"People are coming out and looking for fresh fruit instead of staying in because of the rain and getting food online.

"The weather also helps our suppliers, meaning we get fresher, tastier food and earlier than usual."

Canterbury City Centre on what is usually a vacant Tuesday

The weather has not only helped the market stall owners. Farms have had to call in fruit pickers early because of the warm weather. Most noticeably the Kentish asparagus which due to the heat has arrived two weeks earlier than last.

Farm owner Dave Liddle, 37, claims the weather has had a positive effect because 'the season starts earlier and lasts longer'. However it's not all rosey apples, he then went on to state that the heat could 'put the plants under stress for the following year.' Thus a decrease in volume of fruit and veg produced and a troublesome couple of years ahead.

Beaches surrounding Canterbury have also had a busy couple of months. Sun bathers and swimmers alike have swarmed to the nearest sea and sand resort which appears to be a triumph for British holidays.

Jenny Bridge, 24, Canterbury, told us: "It's been really good having this amazing weather for me and the kids.

"We've been getting down to the beaches at every oppurtunity, it was espeically good when they were off for easter as well."

Ramsgate beach on a sunny day in early April

With the country's still recession like climate it seems companies are longing for the good weather to continue. Morale is up and spending is increasing on a daily basis. And with the aphrodisiac qualities of the early asparagus what we can be sure of is that there will be lots more people to enjoy the hopefully equally good weather for years to come.