IT'S time to get the sun cream out at last as the south got its first taste of summer this week.

Armed with flip-flops and sunglasses, thousands of sun worshippers were out in force across Hampshire as temperatures hit 20C (68F) yesterday.

The good news is that the glorious weather is set to continue for the rest of the week as weather forecasters predict temperatures will hit 23C (73F) at the weekend.

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Last year's dismal summer was all but a distant memory as sunbathers enjoyed the cloudless sky and made up for lost time. The hot weather was too good an opportunity to miss for Melissa Scott and sons Charlie and Hayden as they soaked up the sun at Itchen Valley Country Park.

Another pair eager to make the most of the sunshine were Rachel Odell and her dog Freyja.

Today temperatures in Southampton were forecast to be even better than yesterday, hitting 22C (72F).

The Met Office predicts that Thursday will see highs of 23C (73F), Friday's best will be 22C (72F) while thermometers will reach a peak on Saturday of 23C (73F).