Has spring been kick-started by the recent warm spell..? This tree certainly thinks so.

Eastern Daily Press: Cherry blossom brings a splash of colour to the start of springCherry blossom brings a splash of colour to the start of spring (Image: Chris BIshop)

White cherry blossom usually leads our native fruit trees like apples and pears into bloom as its cascades of dainty flowers appear.

Eastern Daily Press: The flowering cherry originated in Japan, where it was bred for its blossomThe flowering cherry originated in Japan, where it was bred for its blossom (Image: Chris Bishop)

Different species were bred and inter-bred in Japan, where their blossom is the national flower.

Eastern Daily Press: Cherry blossom trees in bloom in HunstantonCherry blossom trees in bloom in Hunstanton (Image: Chris Bishop)

Some of them found their way from the Land of the Rising Sun to our shores during the late 19th century, where they adapted well to their surroundings.

Eastern Daily Press: Cherry trees are briefly covered with blossom in the springCherry trees are briefly covered with blossom in the spring (Image: Chris Bishop)

Their pure-white flowers bring a blaze of colour to this green near the cliff-tops at Hunstanton.

Eastern Daily Press: Blossom on a cherry tree at HunstantonBlossom on a cherry tree at Hunstanton (Image: Chris Bishop)

But their beauty is short-lived. For the flowers usually linger for just two weeks, before their petals begin to fall.

Eastern Daily Press: Cherry blossom fills the branches but the flowers are short-livedCherry blossom fills the branches but the flowers are short-lived (Image: Chris BIshop)