QUEUES of sun lovers caused traffic chaos as they headed out to the coast and the countryside to enjoy the hottest bank holiday on record.

The Met Office reported highs of 26 degrees today.

There was unbroken sunshine and as the day was dry and warm, families set out on trips to the beach and the countryside.

It caused major traffic delays along Ipswich Road and St Andrew’s Avenue in Colchester, the A120 near Marks Tey and Elmstead, and parts of the A12.

Traffic also queued up along the A133 to Clacton and Frinton and West Mersea and Maldon were also bustling with families.

East Anglia enjoyed the best of the day’s weather and while there is due to be a drop in temperature, the forecast for the week is sunny.