RACHEL BULLER The bumper bank holiday weekend is upon us again bringing the first of the spring weather with it. Here, the EDP offers you information and advice on weather, transport, gardening and attractions to help you with your plans - whether they are to get away or stay put.

RACHEL BULLER

The bumper bank holiday weekend is upon us again bringing the first of the spring weather with it. Here, the EDP offers you information and advice on weather, transport, gardening and attractions to help you with your plans - whether they are to get away or stay put.

After weeks of false dawns, it looks like spring could finally be upon us just in time for Easter.

Sunshine and warm temperatures look set to brighten up the bank holiday weekend across East Anglia, as forecasters predict a much needed break from the unpredictable April showers and freezing conditions.

Jim Bacon, of Weathercast, based at UEA in Norwich, said: “There is going to be some fine, dry weather to be had. It won't be really warm, perhaps a little above normal, which is usually around 12 degrees for this time of the year. I think we might see something in the order of 14 degrees. The best days will be tomorrow and Saturday.

“There will be an increased chance of the odd shower on Sunday but this looks more likely to only be overnight or early in the morning.”

Monday will be fine and dry again leading into the rest of the week.

Mr Bacon added: “I cannot say it will be wall to wall sunshine but the eastern region will definitely be the best place to be in the UK so staying here close to home should bring you some nice weather.”

With temperatures dipping well below average over the past two months and sleet and snow still falling in some parts just last week, news of the brighter conditions will be welcomed by not only the public, but also tourism bosses as they prepare for the first big holiday of the year.

Although a record 2.3m holiday makers are planning to abandon the UK in search of sun overseas this weekend, there was also some good news for traditional British holiday spots, like the Norfolk coast, with travel agents reporting that UK bookings have been up substantially over the last few weeks.

But for many people, the dry and warm spell will mean only one thing - the first real chance of the year to get out into the garden.

Andrew York, planteria assistant at Notcutts Garden Centre on Daniels Road in Norwich, said that because of the unusually cold conditions of the past two months, everything was a few weeks behind in the horticultural world which meant Easter was a perfect time to start preparing the garden for the summer.

”There are a lot of jobs that need to be done this time of the year, just because it is cold, it doesn't mean you shouldn't get out there, just pull on another jumper.

“The whole planting season is about three or four weeks behind, people have not been buying new plants for the summer and we have not been getting our summer bedding plants in because it is just too cold. So if you haven't touched your garden yet this year, there is no need to panic. No-one has missed the boat,” he said.

“A lot of things revolve around planning at this time of the year, getting your garden cleared up and ready for when you are ready to start planting.”