After a long, cold winter that saw bleak weather right into April, people are jumping at the chance to bask in some spring sunshine.

Wednesday was the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 25C (77F) in parts of the South East, more than 10C higher than the UK average for the time of year.

Thursday should be even warmer, but temperatures are expected to fall from the beginning of next week.

St Mary's Lighthouse in Whitley Bay, Northumberland, as the old adage of red sky in morning, shepherd's warning, was proved wrong (Owen Humphreys/PA)
St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay, Northumberland, as the old adage of red sky in morning, shepherd’s warning, was proved wrong (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Those who could headed to Boscombe Beach in Dorset (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Those who could headed to Boscombe Beach in Dorset (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Surfers took advantage of the conditions to catch some waves (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Surfers took advantage of the conditions to catch some waves (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Some were brave enough to enter the water without a wetsuit (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Some were brave enough to enter the water without a wetsuit (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Others stayed in the sand (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Others stayed on the sand (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Summertime and perhaps the fish were jumping at the River Avon near Salisbury (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Summertime and perhaps the fish were jumping at the River Avon near Salisbury (Andrew Matthews/PA)
In the city, the best place to bask in the sun was in the park (Victoria Jones/PA )
In the city, the best place to bask in the sun was in the park (Victoria Jones/PA )
Daffodils in full bloom in Callendar Park in Falkirk (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Daffodils in full bloom in Callendar Park in Falkirk (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Soaking up the rays in London's Green Park (Victoria Jones/PA)
Soaking up the rays in London’s Green Park (Victoria Jones/PA)