Caravan and camp sites do have advanced bookings

It is feared the heavy rain and floods in Boscastle in north Cornwall may put off many holidaymakers who make late bookings for the Bank Holiday weekend.

So far, this has been the wettest August since 1912.

But tourism bosses say they are looking towards a reasonably successful weekend and looking to the autumn season.

We need to be looking forward to the next months Robin Barker, South West Tourism

Caravan and camp sites do have many advanced bookings, but it is feared that the pictures of flooding in Boscastle could put off those who have not yet made up their minds.

There were signs that people were having doubts about visiting north Cornwall the week of the floods.

The Cornwall Tourist Board said: "People overseas have seen pictures of the terrible conditions in Boscastle and have got the impression that the whole of Cornwall was under water.

"Even people in the UK, who are due to stay as far as 50 miles from Boscastle, have been contacting us, worried about their holidays.

Lost business

"They don't seem to realise that the problem is very localised and the rest of the county is fine."

As well as this, previous seasons hit by bad weather have seen a downturn in trade.

Now it is feared the wettest August since 1912 will do the same.

Many bookings have been affected in the Boscastle area

BBC South West weatherman David Braine said: "Parts of the South West have seen rainfall in the order of 150mm to 160mm, which is easily in excess of double what is usually seen for the month."

Robin Barker of South West Tourism said: "Some places in the immediate vicinity of Boscastle have lost some business through cancellations, but others have gained.

"Overall, it is not a bad picture, and we're coming into the autumn season, which has been becoming increasingly popular over recent years for the moors, for attractions, and food and drink.

"We need to be looking forward to the next months."

For the Bank Holiday weekend he said: "I don't think there will be the massive gridlock that people predict, but I think it'll still be pretty good."