The easing of lockdown restrictions in England meant people can bask in the warm weather on beaches and parks, with the mercury hitting 27.8C at Heathrow today

The Met Office has confirmed that today is the hottest day of the year so far - with a high of 27.8C recorded at Heathrow.

People in England have flocked to parks and beaches as the mercury rises - although their Welsh and Scottish counterparts have been told they must stay home.