Early spring brings out early blossom

It may only be early January, but cherry blossom has started to appear on trees in yet another sign of the impact this year's mild winter is having on nature.

The bloom is usually a sure sign that spring is on the way and is often not seen until April - but following the mildest December for 20 years, buds have already started to emerge.

This blossom was seen in Beacon Park in Lichfield, where tourists were taking pictures of the pink flowers. There have also been reports of trees starting to bloom in Church Road, Pelsall.

The mild winter has seen spring flowers such as tulips and daffodils arrive in florists weeks earlier than usual. But it is also having a strange effect on fruit and vegetables - with a warning about a shortage of rhubarb.

The vegetable needs frost to grow, and it is feared this year's crop may be poor.