Roads across the North West were gridlocked today as crowds of people flocked to beaches on the hottest day of the year so far.
After lockdown restrictions were relaxed last week and it was announced that day trips were allowed, tourist resorts have been bracing themselves for a surge of visitors.
And beaches in the North West quickly became packed today as temperatures reached 26C. Dozens of sunseekers flocked to beaches in Southport on Wednesday afternoon (May 20).
Crowds were pictured at Ainsdale beach and queues formed along roads leading up to the popular beauty spot. Nearby Chatsworth Road was rammed with cars parked on the pavements and traffic was reportedly backed up around the area.