A TOURIST attraction boss says he is "gutted" the holiday season has finished because of the excellent weather this summer.
Spencer Tallis, estate manager of Hopton Hall, said he is seeing a large increase in bees and flies in the estate gardens thanks to the late summer sunshine.
And he said he was pleased with this weekend's forecast of above-average temperatures.
He said this summer was the best for five years in terms of temperature and visitor numbers.
Although he is sad to see the end of the season, he believes the good weather this summer will live in people's memories for next year.
He said: "It's been a lovely summer, and a lot milder than normal. We have had more flowers in the ground and have seen a lot of bees and flies.
"These end of season temperatures have kept it really dry and that has meant many more things have flowered."
The hall closed earlier this month, as opening and closing times are set 12 months in advance. But, Mr Tallis admitted this was a real shame.
He said: "It's a bit gutting we are not open now because this month has been a lot better than August. When you're working in an estate garden, the weather is something you have to keep an eye out for and it's been glorious at times."
A spokesman for the Met Office said the weekend looks positive.
He said: "Southern and eastern parts will start dry and fine, but becoming cloudier into the weekend. Further north and west, generally cloudier, fresher and windier with some rain at times.
"Wednesday will start with a little bit of rain, but it will soon brighten-up with a few pleasant hours of sunshine in the morning.
"By mid-morning there will be lots of sunshine and that will continue for the rest of the day.
"On Thursday, temperatures will be around 17C, which falls right in line for the average in Derbyshire at this time of the year. Both Saturday and Sunday look good, with temperatures of 18C on both days."
Looking ahead into October, the spokesman said: "The broadly northwest-southeast split in the weather conditions is showing signs of persisting into mid-October.
"This pattern would leave southern, central and eastern parts tending to see the best of the weather with conditions often fine and dry. Occasional bouts of rain should still be expected, and mist and fog patches may be a problem during morning rush hours.
"Further northwest, conditions are likely to be more unsettled with more frequent outbreaks of rain, these perhaps accompanied by strong winds. Temperatures here should be closer to average or perhaps even just below at times."
