THOUSANDS of county people are preparing for fun in the sun this weekend.

Worcester News weatherman Paul Damari said it should be a "beautiful" weekend - one of the warmest spells of the year so far.

"With the nice, fine, sunny weather conditions, I am expecting a lot of people will get out and enjoy the sunshine," he said.

"For Good Friday well into the first part of next week, it's going to be fine with quite a bit of sunshine and very light variable winds.

"We are likely to see temperatures anywhere between 19C and 21C (66F-70F).

"It's going to get warmer as the Easter weekend goes on, well over the 12C (54F) average for this time of year.

"It's going to be a beautiful Easter weekend for all."

However, he said anyone camping under the clear night skies should wrap up, because temperatures would dip to between 2C and 4C (36F-39F).

Entrants in today's Easter Bunny Run at Worcester Woods Country Park in Spetchley could be sweltering as they hop, skip and jump in their costumes.

The event will raise funds for St Richard's Hospice.

Director of fund-raising Marilyn Peachey said: "Previous years have been a success and everyone always enjoys themselves."

Crowds are expected to make the most of the sun shine and flock to sights around Worcestershire. The white lion cubs at Bewdley's West Midland Safari and Leisure Park promise to be the star attraction.

Head warden Bob Lawrence said: "Easter is our busiest holiday of the year so the message is come early."

The park will be opening at an earlier time of 9am over the weekend.

Donald Winwood, of Droitwich Canals Trust, said places on Sunday and Monday's boat trips on the Pamela May have been snapped up. He said there would be plenty of beautiful sights on the leisurely trip, including moorhens, ducks and swans.

"It will be lovely and tranquil, with lots of wildlife," he said.

For a creative day out with a difference, a trip to Honeybourne Pottery near Evesham promises family fun. Visitors can try their hand at the pottery wheel or clay painting in workshops.

Ceramic artist Paul Sillence said: "We've been busy every day of the holidays so far and are expecting a busy bank holiday weekend."

Workshops run every day during the holidays except Sundays.

For thrill-seekers, Grimley Raceway, near Worcester, will have a day of racing on Monday, including Grand Prix Midgets.

Worcestershire travel agents have reported a busy period, with many opting to spend the holiday overseas.

Popular choices include city breaks to Paris, Prague, Barcelona and New York.

turn to pages 32 and 33 to find out what's on near you over Easter