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. 

Janet, not her real name, of Norfolk 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.” 

Shefield resident Max, not his real name, 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, Max added: “Cor, it’s a scorcher.”