Grills, hammocks, pizza ovens … sun spurs alfresco shopping spree in UK

Signs of warm weather have already boosted sales of outdoor items - and a wood pellet BBQ operated by an app is a hot favourite

There have been fire pits, pizza ovens and even inflatable hot tubs, but now the wood pellet barbecue is the object outdoor lovers are expected to queue up for in the days and weeks ahead as the weather turns warmer.

Temperatures on Saturday reached up to 20C (68F) for the first time since October. The Met Office said the mercury hit 20C in Kinlochewe, north-west Scotland, with highs of 15.3C in Castlederg, Northern Ireland; 17.3C in Bridgefoot, Cumbria; and 18C in Valley, Anglesey.