The big Easter Bank Holiday getaway was in full swing today in Shropshire and Mid Wales as the Government issued a “smog alert” for potentially high levels of air pollution.

Officials at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said high levels of pollution were expected in England and Wales over the weekend because of warm and still conditions brought on by the high pressure system.

Some people, including asthma sufferers, could be affected and may notice an impact on their breathing.

The warning comes as thousands of people in the region were taking advantage of the glorious barbecue weather.

The mercury was set to rise up to 24C (75F) today with highs outshining temperatures in some Mediterranean resorts like Malaga in Spain, where it was expected to reach only about 17C (63F). For many people, today’s warm conditions heralded the start of a bumper 11 days off work.

Employees had to take only three days off next week to enjoy a long break bookended by the bank holiday weekends for the late Easter and the royal wedding.

The weather was expected to spark a rush on to the roads and into shops as people dusted down barbecues and headed for the Mid Wales coast. Shops were reporting strong sales of products such as beer and disposable barbecues, while visitor attractions and accommodation providers said they were busier than usual.

Supermarkets were bracing themselves for an Easter shopping bonanza.

Craig Davies, deputy manager at Sainsbury’s on the Meole Brace Retail Park in Shrewsbury, said: “Anything weather or Easter-related seems to be flying off the shelves.” Kevin Prince, store manager at Asda in Donnington Wood, Telford, said: “It’s going to be all hands on deck.”

On the roads there were warnings of congestion on some major routes, while rail passengers were warned to expect some disruption.