BUSINESSES in Stourport's tourism industry are praying a promising start to the season continues after several attractions reported strong trade.

Amusement parks, pubs and guest houses have all enjoyed a timely boost - and the performance of the police and the district council have both come in for praise.

Despite recent grey skies, hopes are high for a bumper summer after a sunny March and April.

John Ready, owner of Playland on the riverside, said: "It's the brightest start to a season I can remember.

"Ever since March - when we're usually dealing with flooding - we've had sunshine almost every weekend."

He added the park had opened a month early this year.

"Everybody's happy - I don't see how anybody could have a complaint."

And Mr Ready said a televised weather forecast from the riverside just before the Easter weekend had been a "good little ad for Stourport".

He added Wyre Forest District Council did its best to keep visitors returning. "When you've got a crowd of people - thousands of people - they leave a lot of mess behind. The council get down here at nine in the morning and leave the place spotless."

The manager of another major attraction, Shipleys Riverside Bowl and Amusement Park, said trade was holding up despite a growing number of rivals such as Merry Hill competing for Black Country visitors - the park's lifeblood.

And Paul Parson said police patrols had been stepped up to help combat vandalism. "The police presence has increased this year - you see more police on foot which is better for us."

The Angel landlord Ray Cox said his riverside pub has had a "lovely start" to the tourist season in common with other watering holes.

"I think they have all done quite well," he said.

The bed and breakfast trade had also shared in the upswing according to Derek Fradgley, the Stourport Town Centre Forum representative on the Wyre Forest Tourism Network.

"I've spoken to three or four people involved in B&Bs and they've said it's been great."

He added visitors spend double the amount in the town when they stay overnight.