People in Kent have been soaking up the sun on the hottest day of the year so far.

Temperatures in Maidstone and Gravesend hit 20C this afternoon, while in St James's Park in London the mercury soared to a new high of 22C.

The previous high for the year was 20.8C, which was recorded in March.

Across the county, people have been out enjoying the glorious weather.

Dozens of punters basked in the sunshine with a beer outside the Unit 1 alehouse in West Hythe.

Viking Bay in Broadstairs was also busy with beachgoers.

Met Office meteorologist Steven Keates urged people to “stick on the sunscreen” and drink plenty of water to protect against higher-than-average UV levels.

The strength of UV rays could hit 6, which is considered “high” on the Met Office’s index.

This increase has been caused by slightly depleted stratospheric ozone, which helps protect Earth from the rays, he said.

Naturally occurring reactions in the atmosphere as well as man-made emissions both contribute to the phenomenon, which is usually temporary, the forecaster added.

He said: “It’s a naturally fluctuating cycle, in part not helped by human emissions.

“There will be a short-term, slight depletion (in stratospheric ozone)… and the sun gets stronger in mid-April as well.

“So if you’re going to be outside for a long time, stick on the sunscreen and protect yourself basically as there’s a slightly elevated risk of sunburn.”

The sunshine is forecast to stay on Saturday, with temperatures peaking at 17C in Maidstone.

However, Easter Sunday and Monday are expected to be cloudy.

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