Coronavirus: West Country 'not open for tourism' despite prospect of a sunshine-filled weekend and the Easter break

Holiday makers and sunseekers are being told the West Country is 'not open for tourism' as weather forecasts show sunshine is on the way.

There are fears many will flock to popular destinations across the region, despite strict lockdown measures to protect against coronavirus.

Many local councils are warning anyone that provides accommodation to tourists they risk prosecution if they encourage people to visit.

Paignton seafront has been shut off to traffic to prevent people breaching Covid-19 guidelines and driving to the beach.

Meanwhile Visit Weston has changed its name on social media platforms to Don't Visit Weston to discourage people from coming.

Forecasts suggest the West Country could be in for a heatwave this weekend, with highs of 20 degrees.

It's feared the warm weather could drive more people outside, alongside the start of the Easter break, which has caused a number of tourist boards and police forces across the region to issue warnings.

• Weather presenter Charlie Powell takes a look as whether it really going to be a warm weekend across the West Country

North Devon District Council says guidance from the Government clearly calls for all holiday accommodation to close.

Leader of the Council, Cllr David Worden, said supermarkets in the area were already under strain, and they did not want to put any extra pressure on the local NHS.

Many tourism sites including those promoting Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset have changed their websites and social media pages to urge people to stay away.

Gloucestershire Police has also warned potential travellers to stay at home and avoid non-essential travel.

It added its officers would be "stopping motorists who appear to be heading on holiday, such as those towing caravans, and would continue to engage, explain and encourage them to return to their primary home."