Gordon Brown would appear to be in good company in choosing the eastern region for his summer break. For holiday firm Hoseasons has reported a big rise in the number of tourists choosing to head here.

Gordon Brown would appear to be in good company in choosing the eastern region for his summer break. For holiday firm Hoseasons has reported a big rise in the number of tourists choosing to head here.

Confirmation that the PM will be bringing his family to Southwold for a summer holiday came as the Lowestoft-based company said cottage bookings in Suffolk were up by 30pc compared with last year - and there had been a similar trend in Norfolk.

Richard Carrick, chief executive of Hoseasons, said: “We have discovered that more customers than ever before want to jump in a car with the family and avoid the hassle and increased costs of an overseas break.

“This isn't solely an economic issue, however. A growing number of holidaymakers is also rediscovering the joys of a UK break.”

At Southwold, news of the prime minister's arrival soon with his wife Sarah and sons John and Fraser has been greeted with enthusiasm by two leading figures. Mayor Teresa Baggott, who is also landlady at the Red Lion pub, said: “Southwold offers an old-fashioned holiday with simple pleasures. It's the ideal place to bring a young family, and if he popped in the Red Lion I would welcome him just like any other visitor.”

And pier owner Stephen Bournes said: “I think he chose Southwold because it's a friendly, British seaside town and it's doing well in a struggling economy. We are all very excited and it will be great fun. I'm sure he'll just want to put his feet up and relax. “I would imagine a lot of people will be pleased to see him, and he is welcome to have a cream tea on the pier.”