THE rugged inhabitants of the North have welcomed the start of summer with open arms.

Hardy folk from the no-nonsense parts of England have wasted no time basking in the overcast March weather that is lovely and warm to them.

Donna Sheridan of Carlisle said: “I’m so glad it’s finally here. Nothing but picturesque grey skies and a blustery light drizzle from now until the end of September. Fantastic.

“My big coat’s back in the wardrobe and I’ve cracked out my t-shirt and shorts for these balmy temperatures. That’ll see me through to the start of December when it reaches sub-zero and I’ll put on a tiny jacket.”

Hull resident Roy Hobbs said: “I’ve turned the central heating off which can only mean one thing – summer’s here.

“I can’t wait to cool down with a cold pint of lager in a beer garden and watch these long summer evenings stretch out until half six.”

Shielding his eyes from glaring cloud cover with his flat cap, Hobbs added: “Cor, it’s a scorcher.”