SUN-WORSHIPPERS were in their element today (Monday, May 6) as the region enjoyed warmer temperatures than Paris.

Despite the region’s tradition of disappointing Bank Holiday weather, much of the North-East and North Yorkshire was bathed in sunshine, with the mercury hitting 19C in many places.

After a cloudy start, temperatures soon soared leaving sun-seekers to bask in the knowledge that they were enjoying more sunshine than those in the French capital, Paris.

The sunny weather is expected to continue into Tuesday in most parts of the region.

Brendan Jones, a forecaster with Meteogroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said after another cloudy start the sun will return tomorrow (Tuesday, May 7), with the possibility of temperatures topping those set today.

“Tuesday will mostly be another fine day for much of the region, with the possibility of fog along the coast,” he said.

“But make the most of it as it goes downhill on Wednesday, with high winds and rain expected."

The warm weather is a far cry from the freezing temperatures that left motorists and livestock stranded in feet of snow just a few weeks ago.

A number of supermarkets have seen a surge in demand for barbeques, with Asda reporting a sales increase of 142 per cent.

Hay fever sufferers have also been warned about a steady rise in the pollen count as the weather heats up, with Tuesday expected to be the worst day.

Alexander Burkill, of the Met Office, said tree pollen would be more significant than grass pollen until the middle of May.