Boscombe beach was deserted yesterday as torrential rain and strong winds continued to lash the South Coast.

Simon Lloyd was among the few walkers who braved the wintry conditions on the sand-covered promenade. But his mangled brolly provided little protection from the elements.

While families steered clear of the beach, windsurfers made the most of the waves crashing onto the sands near Boscombe Pier.

Tourism chiefs and struggling seafront traders are hoping conditions will improve by the Bank Holiday weekend.

Roads in Purbeck were water-logged yesterday morning, creating difficult driving conditions, and a fallen tree had to be removed from the A35 at Bere Regis.

Heavy rain caused flooding on Policeman’s Lane – between the B3067 Dorchester Road and Watery Lane- in Upton yesterday afternoon.

There were reports that the water was up to two feet deep.

Today is expected to be a drier day but more rain is forecast until Thursday.