Britons are set to bask in glorious sunshine as forecasters predicted much of the country would enjoy the hottest weekend of the year so far.

Temperatures in some areas of England were expected to reach 27˚C, comfortably exceeding parts of the Mediterranean.

Herefordshire, the West Midlands and Manchester were tipped to enjoy the hottest weather, with London also expected to sizzle in unseasonably good weather, well above the May average of 16˚C.

In contrast, temperatures in Turkey's beach resorts were predicted to be less than 25˚C, the Greek Islands between 21 and 23˚C and parts of Italy 22-24˚C.

Matt Dobson, forecaster with Meteo Group, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "It's getting warmer by the day. It will be a lovely day in London, but there will be a breeze coming in from the east, so some south eastern coastal areas around Essex and Kent could be a bit cooler with mist drifting in.

"Some areas are going to be hotter than many of the Greek Islands, parts of Italy and Turkey.

"Resorts along Britain's west coast will have some of the warmest conditions. It is real BBQ weather, but there's not much breeze so it will be no good for kite flying."

Temperatures today were predicted to be even hotter across the southern half of the UK, with inland areas reaching 24˚ to 26˚C, London 27˚C and some spots forecast to climb to 28˚C.