Crowds flock to see sights

The crowds came out when spring finally sprung across Shropshire and the county was a blaze of colour under sunny skies.

Historic Ironbridge was just one of the tourism honeypots to benefit as the long winter finally gave way to the new season.

The World Heritage Site was bustling yesterday as visitors took advantage of the warm weather to visit the Ironbridge Gorge's attractions.

The flowers were a riot of colour and, with a well earned break in the rain and milder conditions, shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses were bustling with life

The glorious weather continued today and although cloud was likely to spread later in the day the outlook for the weekend was promising.

The Meteorological Office forecast maximum temperatures of 15C (59F) today with the region staying dry tonight. Clear skies were set to return this evening, with a minimum temperature of 3C (37F).

A Met Office spokesman said any remaining cloud in the east of the region would mostly clear during tomorrow morning to leave a warm and sunny day for many areas. There would be light, north-easterly winds and a maximum temperature of 17C (62F).

Richard Eley, of Eley's pie shop in Ironbridge, said the final arrival of spring had given everyone a lift.

He said: "Trade has definitely picked up in the fine weather.

"Obviously, the weather has been a big help, particularly as the fine spell wasn't forecast.

"The sunshine is really important to us for business here in Ironbridge and so let's hope it continues.

"There is a real feel-good factor in Ironbridge at the moment."