Britain's 'warm' weather astounds locals

Enveloped in a thick blanket of snow and blasted by a bitterly icy wind under a cool blue sky- it was a perfect winter wonderland this time last year.

But walkers making the steep climb to reach this natural beauty spot on the same day this year had a distinctly warmer welcome.

Thanks to Britain's balmy weather, the hills once buried in a bleak wintery blizzard, were transformed into lush green pasture as temperatures reached a mild 9c (48f).

In comparison, the picture taken at exactly the same time last year couldn't be more different.

Then, the North Downs in Kent were gripped by a big freeze as the thermometer plunged to -5c (23f) on the coldest day of the year.

At the time, images of the scenic hillside spot buried in eight inches of snow were beamed around the country on national news as Britain shivered in lower temperatures than Moscow, crippling rail services and making roads impassable.

But, to the astonishment of locals, there wasn't an icicle to be seen and instead rain clouds hung heavy over the glistening green landscape.

The striking pictures, captured at Tolsford Hill overlooking Summerhouse Hill, near Folkestone by wildlife photographer Kerry King, are the latest example of Britain's topsy-turvy temperatures this year which has gone on record as the hottest in history.

Mr King said: "I took the photograph on the same day, at exactly the same time as last year. But I couldn't believe the transformation.

"Last year there was eight inches of snow, it was bitterly cold and you couldn't leave the house without a thick coat and gloves.

"Now you can go for a walk in your shirtsleeves, it is mild as that.

"It has never been this warm at this time of year. No one around here has ever seen anything like it in a decade."