TODAY'S wonderful weather has had people out in droves enjoying the sunshine.

Lots of people even headed to the beach.

Shoebury has been recorded by the Met Office as the sunniest place in East Anglia today.

Echo:

Picture taken on Bell Wharf, in Old Leigh

The average temperature for this time of year in south Essex is around 7°C, according to the Met Office, but today's forecast saw temperatures reaching around 16°C with blue skies all round!

Temperatures in Chelmsford reached more than 14°C, and slightly cooler at 13°C in the Southend borough. 

The rest of February is set to be particularly mild, according to Chris Tubbs, deputy chief meteorologist, who said: “Although temperatures next week may not be as high as this weekend, it looks like temperatures will stay on the mild side for the rest of February.”

Echo: