Bradford's highly successful beach in Centenary Square will stay open for an extra two days over the Bank Holiday weekend due to the huge public demand.

Holiday makers have been flocking to the Bradford Beach where tropical scenes have been created with golden sand and palm trees.

Hoards of children have been gathering on the beach each day with their buckets and spades, beach balls, and to take part in organised games, such as volley ball and beach cricket.

The beach was due to be dismantled on Sunday, but will now stay open on Sunday and Monday from 12 noon to 4pm each day.

Paul Brookes, Bradford's Capital of Culture bid, said: "The Bradford Beach has been fantastically popular - Bradford people have taken to it in their droves. It is a pleasure to see Bradford enjoying itself."

Festivities tomorrow include music and wacky percussive rhythms performed by The Real Macaws and Gidea Park while Bosun Barnacle and Long Joan Silver will put on a stilt walking display.

A spokesman at PA Weather said long-term forecasts show that the weekend is expected to be mainly dry with temperatures likely to be around 20 to 23 degrees Celsius although a few showers are expected around the district to tomorrow.