Families headed outside to make the most of easing lockdown measures and beautiful spring weather in Suffolk on Wednesday.

Ipswich Star: Sisters Amelia and Alice having fun in the park.Sisters Amelia and Alice having fun in the park. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Temperatures reached as high as 22C in Santon Downham, near Brandon, on Wednesday – the day after Kew Gardens recorded the warmest March temperature since 1968.

Ipswich Star: Vana, Lavand and Varin with their mum Vian by the pond in Christchurch Park IpswichVana, Lavand and Varin with their mum Vian by the pond in Christchurch Park Ipswich (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Scores of families descended on Christchurch Park, in Ipswich, to make the most of the warm weather.

Ipswich Star: Kassia-Rose having a great time playting in Christchurch Park Ipswich.Kassia-Rose having a great time playting in Christchurch Park Ipswich. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Parts of the UK saw temperatures hit almost 24C, despite a cloudy start to the day.

Ipswich Star: Maia Cozma with her brother Jason Cozma having a picnic and playing cards together in the park.Maia Cozma with her brother Jason Cozma having a picnic and playing cards together in the park. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

In Weybourne, north Norfolk, the mercury reached 23.9C during the afternoon, with the temperature across the south-east and London expected to rise higher into the evening.

Ipswich Star: Families have been enjoying the sunshine in Christchurch Park.Families have been enjoying the sunshine in Christchurch Park. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)