In pictures: Bank Holiday weekend brings blue skies and sunshine

The canal in Barnt Green in Worcestershire, where temperatures reached 23C Image copyright Heather Kemp/@mrshkemp
Image caption Stunning colours in Barnt Green in Worcestershire, where temperatures reached 23C

Much of the UK has seen sunshine and blue skies ahead of the early May Bank Holiday Monday, which forecasters say could be the hottest on record.

People have been enjoying the sun, with some roads busy and train services packed as crowds head to the coast.

Temperatures have so far peaked at 25.5C in Northolt in London and 25.2C in Herstmonceux, east Sussex.

Wales saw a high of 23C in Usk, Monmouthshire while in Scotland the mercury rose to 21.7C in Charterhall.

Image copyright PA
Image caption Cyclists pass Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire ahead of an early May Bank Holiday Monday which could break temperature records
Image copyright Gillian Brady/@GBrady_
Image caption The scene at Fisherrow Harbour in Musselburgh, East Lothian, was a serene picture of blue
Image copyright @GeorgiaTurner
Image caption So many people decided to head to Brighton and other South Coast seaside destinations that Southern Rail "strongly advised" passengers not to travel. Engineering work had seen trains replaced by replacement bus services
Image copyright @TL240FLM
Image caption Four retired firefighters, members of a group set up to preserve a former London Fire Brigade engine, enjoy the Brighton seafront after travelling from London
Image copyright PA
Image caption The sun shines brightly in a garden in Manchester, where temperatures rose to 23C
Image copyright Su Fullwood
Image caption Not a cloud in the sky above Chichester in West Sussex, where temperatures are expected to stay at a pleasant 23C on Monday
Image copyright Itchenor Sailing Club/@itchenor1
Image caption And also in Chichester, Itchenor Sailing Club shared this photo of the harbour where they are hosting an open day
Image copyright James Devine/@jamesdevine05
Image caption The sea was glistening off the coast of Paignton in Devon, photographed by a runner
Image copyright @Will_Lowephoto
Image caption Meanwhile in Poole, Dorset, this exotic sunset scene looks like it is straight out of a holiday brochure
Image copyright Dafydd/@DafyddLThomas
Image caption Many walkers made the most of the clear skies and took to the hills in the Brecon Beacons
Image copyright PA
Image caption Sunday in London began with a glorious red sunrise, pictured here over the city from Richmond Park. The temperature in the capital reached 24C