Sheffield residents have bade farewell to the frozen north and welcomed warmer months to come.

The spring equinox is also known as the Pagan holiday of Ostara, and is celebrated every year on either the 20th or 21st March.

Marking the start of spring, it falls on the date when day and night are approximately equal in length, traditionally symbolising a balance in nature.

The spring and autumn equinoxes are also the only time of year when both the north and the south poles are lit by sunlight.

Zac Tenquist, 21, student and co-leader of Endcliffe Village allotment, said: “Ostara to me is an important reminder of new things to come, the world is moving on from winter as it does every years and with it brings more and different opportunities to have fun and connect to nature. It’s also important for me to feel connected to my ancestors who would’ve also celebrated this day for hundreds of years.”

Mr Tenquist is celebrating the equinox with a picnic in Endcliffe Park with his friends.

The spring equinox today (March 20) is projected to be the hottest day of the year so far, with highs of 17 degrees celsius in Sheffield.

Jeff Lomas, 68, retired teacher, said: “It’s been a really cold winter in Sheffield. But today is wonderful, it’s like someone flicked a switch!

“You can go to any park in Sheffield on a day like this, and you know it’ll be full.”

Today, Weston Park is full of sunbathers and dog walkers, with a queue for ice cream outside the front gates.

However, the good weather is only predicted to last until the weekend, introducing a drizzly, cooler week to follow.

Janey Carter, 30, nurse, said: “We all really need some sun. Now it’s brighter, I’ll be out in the Peak District every weekend walking my dog. I look forward to it every year.”