CROWDS of day-trippers are expected to flock to tourist attractions across the North-East and North Yorkshire this weekend.

And it seems the region may be the only place in the country enjoying sunny weather.

While the rest of the country shivers beneath heavy cloud and drizzle, the North-East and Yorkshire are set for brilliant sunshine and higher-than-normal temperatures.

A spokesman for the AA said it expected local roads to be busy as day-trippers head to the coast or dales.

He said: "Each day, the local roads will be busiest up to lunchtime and then again in the evenings when people head home."

A spokesman for the Press Association Weather Centre said inland areas were expected to be dry with sunny spells, and that temperatures will be higher, reaching 16 or 17 degrees C.

He said: "On Monday, it is likely to be a bit fresher, around 14 or 15 degrees inland, which is still quite reasonable for the time of year. Even along the coastal areas, things will brighten up on Monday."

Dozens of events are taking place over the weekend.

In Barnard Castle, County Durham, folk musicians, street entertainers and dancers will gather tomorrow and on Sunday for the Teesdale Thrash, at Witham Hall.

Beamish Museum, in County Durham, has traditional May Day activities taking place over the weekend, and there is the popular orchid show at Raby Castle, in Standrop, County Durham.

A spokesman for Northumbria Tourist Board said: "There are a lot of events going on right across the area.

"We are expecting people to get out and about for day trips to events. We expect Beamish to be busy and the orchid show at Raby Castle."

A spokeswoman for Yorkshire Tourist Board said he thought the weather would be ideal for walkers heading to the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales.

She also said that theme parks and stately homes such as Flamingo Land and Castle Howard were likely to be popular.

Meanwhile, traffic police are stepping up weekend patrols from today in the Durham dales, where they will be targeting bikers.

Police are expecting an influx of riders over the weekend.