Glorious start to Shropshire's summer but rain is forecast

Britain's meteorological summer begins today – and parts of the Midlands and Wales have been getting a head-start thanks to some warm temperatures and sunny skies, as this stunning picture of sunrise in Ellesmere shows.

Taken by Shropshire Star reporter Sue Austin, the picture shows the sun rising over the town.

And while Shropshire and Mid Wales continues to enjoy the sunny half term weather, people in Torquay, Devon, enjoyed temperatures of around 20C yesterday morning – although things are set to turn unsettled tomorrow, before improving again over the weekend.

Gemma Beddoes, of Dairy Dreams Ice Cream at Churchstoke, said this year's holiday weekend weather had provided a big boost to the business, where sales doubled.

She said: "The very warm weather over the weekend was very good for us and sales of our ice creams were at least double what they usually are – particularly on Monday.

"We are hoping that the early summer 'mini heatwave' will continue and be the start of a sweltering summer.

"If this is the case we might have to think about producing the ice creams twice a day instead of once to keep up with demand.

"Holidaymakers staying for the weekend seemed keen to stay a little longer into Monday when the dun continued to shine.

"And I think the Welshpool Carnival nearby helped bring in the crowds too as visitors travelled through."

However, the good times are set to end, with cloudy and grey conditions forecast for most of today with rain at times, which could turn heavy in some parts.

It will be another breezy day.

Thursday will be cloudy with the odd spot of rain at times. Friday a brighter day, though with a small risk of showers.

Saturday mostly dry and bright, and turning warmer.