Fancy a dip? It depends where you live

As winds of up to 90mph battered Scotland and the north of England yesterday elsewhere in the UK was enjoying some of the balmiest December weather for decades.

Waves crashed against Blackpool promenade while much of the North-west braced itself for blustery showers. Scotland bore the brunt of the fierce weather with the Forth and Tay road bridges closed to high-sided vehicles and the Met Office issuing a severe weather warning.

However, in Somerset, bathers took advantage of the mild temperatures – which are expected to continue into the New Year – to take a dip in the naturally heated rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa.