Spring Has Sprung Early

The chilly winds and snow smatterings of recent weeks suggest winter is still in residence.

But our gardens, parks and woodland are telling a different story.

Shrubs, trees and flowers that usually wait until May to blossom are already in their full glory.

Hawthorn - known as the May flower because of the time it usually blossoms - has been blooming for weeks.

Bluebells are carpeting woodlands at least a couple of weeks early while apple trees are already frilled with blossom.