Bridlington hoteliers are not yet feeling the benefits of the credit crunch – but they are staying hopeful that the season will prove to be a good one.

National headlines last week suggested that people are saving money in the credit crunch by booking holidays at home – but there are still plenty of beds available in Bridlington.

Glenn Holmes, president of the town's hotel and guest house association, said: "Everyone seems to be a lot quieter than they were last year. Bookings are definitely slower.

"Personally, if we look back to last year, we are doing about the same but, talking to other members, the majority said they are quieter.

"Instead of weeks, people are coming for three or four days and midweek breaks are happening a lot more. We ask guests but there doesn't seem to be any one particular reason.

"I saw the news last week about people staying in the UK and thought it was good news but it is not having an effect here yet."

As well as everyone tightening their belts, there is another factor which is not helping, the good old British weather.

With July being something of a washout so far, hoteliers are hoping the summer makes an appearance soon.

"I keep watching the weather forecast every day and saying 'please say it's going to be good'," said Mr Holmes, who runs the Park View Hotel, in Tennyson Avenue.

"We certainly have fewer people knocking on the door looking for a room, although we still get people phoning up at the last minute.

"I can imagine they are holding back to see if the weather picks up next month and thinking of coming then.

"The season is looking OK, just not as good as last year."

But there is one silver lining, news that it seems to be all systems go with the marina.

"Everyone I have spoken to says it is good news.

"It's fabulous and seems to have lifted everybody and given them hope," said Mr Holmes.