WHILE some Britons were basking in temperatures higher than Mediterranean hotspots such as Barcelona, Rome and Athens, the signs of Spring were even felt in Hawes, North Yorkshire - which just five days ago was still covered in a blanket of snow.

The mercury hit as high as 17.5C (63.5F) in Murlough, Northern Ireland, while Santon Downham in Suffolk followed close behind with 17.3C (63.14F).

Scotland also enjoyed its warmest weather so far in Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire, which got up to 15.9C (60.62F).

However, Craig Snell, forecaster at the Met Office, said temperatures will return to average, adding: "This week will see quite changeable weather but nothing out of the ordinary for this time of year."