THE scorching weather enjoyed across South Lakeland and Furness saw the thermometer reach a record-breaking 25.1C (77.1F) this week.

Weather watchers at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Grange-over-Sands said it represents the hottest single April day recorded since records began there in 1980.

The previous April high was in 1990, when the mercury rose to 22.5C (72.5F) and the coldest was the same year when it plunged to -3.5C.

April 17, 2003 18:00