Bringing on feelgood factor

There’s nothing that can bring on the feelgood factor than some scorching weather – as well as a massive England victory in the World Cup, of course.

On the day after the national team’s qualification for the knockout phase of the tournament, Wearside found itself basking in temperatures hotter than Tenerife and Los Angeles and the same as Rio de Janeiro.

And the scorching temperatures of 25°C also sent takings soaring at Sunderland’s seafront businesses.

Hannah Jones, supervisor at Downey’s fish and chip restaurant and takeaway at Pier Point, in Roker, said: “We’ve been chocker all weekend. When the weather is as good as it has been, we’ve got people in nearly all of the time, down here. There’s just been a booking in for about 40 people.”

Josh Harrison of Piccadilly Whip ice cream added: “Everybody is in a chipper mood too.”

And the good news is that the smashing weather will last all week and through the weekend, probably sending business booming again.

Also the long-range forecast has predicted a series of heatwaves throughout the next couple of months which could make some of the big events in the city such as Sunniside Live, the prestigious Tall Ships Races and Sunderland International Airshow even more attractive to visitors.

Let’s just hope it will be a summer to remember for Wearside.