THE mercury hit highs of 26C as Oxford basked in the first serious spell of sunshine of the year yesterday.

Some of those lucky enough not be in work made the most of the hot weather by relaxing on a bench in South Park.

With not a cloud in the day, the misery of the winter looks to finally be a thing of the past.

thisisoxfordshire:

Wednesday was comfortably the warmest day of the year so far but it was superseded by yesterday, which was another glorious day in the city with highs of 26C.

It will still be warm today with temperatures reaching 23C.

The Met Office has forecast several more days of sun, with temperatures set to reach 24C this afternoon.

And the Met Office station in Benson said yesterday was set to become  the hottest April day ever.

With many traders feeling the pinch, the warm weather will be a boost, with Oxford City centre full of people yesterday.

Unfortunately, the good weather is only due to last until the weekend, when cloudy skies and rain are set to return, with temperatures in the mid-teens.