Capital's parks fill up on hottest day so far... and it's a barbecue weekend for Londoners

The capital basked in the hottest day of the year today as forecasters predicted a barbecue weekend.

Temperatures were expected to hit 21C, making London warmer than the Mediterranean. Malta was due to peak at 18C, Athens and Barcelona at 20C.

Forecasters say the good weather will continue. "By the weekend, and Sunday in particular, temperatures should hit 20C. It's going to be very warm," said John Hammond of the Met Office.

A cooler and more unsettled picture is expected for the London Marathon, on Sunday, April 17.

Last month was Britain's driest March since 1953, with 1.5 inches of rain falling, compared with the usual 3.8 inches.