A cracking Easter chock-full of warm sunshine and plenty of outdoor events kicks off today as people make the most of four days of freedom. The sunny, spring weather and warm temperatures which brightened up Norfolk yesterday are set to continue for the entire weekend, with only a sprinkling of showers on the horizon for Easter Monday.

A cracking Easter chock-full of warm sunshine and plenty of outdoor events kicks off today as people make the most of four days of freedom.

The sunny, spring weather and warm temperatures which brightened up Norfolk yesterday are set to continue for the entire weekend, with only a sprinkling of showers on the horizon for Easter Monday.

And those lucky enough to have the time off work have the pick of plenty of events, activities and attractions across the region to keep them entertained as Norfolk basks under clearer skies than Ibiza, Barcelona and San Francisco.

In Norwich alone, the French market returns to bring a Gallic flavour to Brigg Street and St Gentleman's Walk, while nearby Chapelfield Gardens hosts the Easter funfair.

Sporty events include the Burnham Market horse trials today and tomorrow, featuring Zara Phillips, while thousands are expected at Fakenham's biggest race meeting of the year on Easter Monday.

Easter parades and festivals are a-plenty, including Gressenhall Museum, near Dereham, hosting its fair and big hat parade.

Emma Coombs, of Weatherquest, based at UEA, said: "It looks like it is going to stay fine.

"The high pressure that is in control at the moment will continue, and although we won't have completely blue skies it is going to stay dry and warm.

"The winds will be from a northerly direction which may mean it is not quite as warm as Thursday, with an increasing chance of a light shower on Easter Monday - but nothing that will ruin the weekend.

"The warmer temperatures will be in the land, with more of an offshore breeze on the coast, and will be five or six degrees above the average for this time of year."

Those hoping to travel around by train are warned that today's services are affected most by weekend engineering work, with buses running between Norwich and Brundall, Diss and Thetford.

Buses will run between Norwich and Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Sheringham on a Sunday timetable, doubling the journey time on some routes, while London-bound passengers from King's Lynn will arrive in Liverpool Street instead of King's Cross.