IT WAS almost as if the powers that be knew the town was beginning to open up a little when they graced Basingstoke with beautiful weekend weather.

For the past week, the sunshine has been consistently on display, and residents across the borough have been making the most of the warmer temperatures and dry days.

From outdoor drinks and meals, to trips to newly opened shops, or meet ups with family at parks and nature reserves, the mood-lifting summer rays have been the perfect christening to new found freedom.

And its not just the borough that has been enjoying the welcome change in weather - most of the country has been basking in the spring heat.

The sunny weather is set to stay for the coming week, the Met Office has said.

Forecasters have said most areas of the UK can expect to see daytime temperatures in the late teens, followed by frosty nights.

Temperatures did drop a few degrees across the nation on Wednesday (April 21) through to Friday.

But the good news is it will be picking up again in time for this weekend.

The Met Office has also warned that moderate levels of UV will be seen across the UK this week – with the rays being as strong as in late August.

Click here for a full weekend forecast.