Pictures: Brighton in the sun as lockdown measures are eased

With the reintroduction of the "rule of six" in outdoor areas, some met with a few friends to soak up some vitamin D by the sea while others chose to get a sweat on with gruelling exercise classes on Hove lawns.

Yesterday marked the second and final stage of step one of the government's "roadmap" to lifting lockdown restrictions.

Brighton and Hove in the sunshine as lockdown measures are eased further on March 29 Credit: Eddie Mitchell

Now, groups of six people or two households of any size can meet in outdoor areas, including private gardens. Social distancing measures, however, remain in place, so hugging is not allowed.

Outdoor sports facilities, such as tennis and basketball courts, can also now reopen, and people can take part in formally organised outdoor sports.

A final, major change came into effect on Monday which is the government's Stay at Home mantra has come to an end, with people instead asked to "stay local" wherever possible.

Brighton and Hove in the sun on March 29, the day lockdown restrictions were lifted further Credit: Simon Dack

With the easing of coronavirus restrictions, many people were able to meet with others who they had not seen for some time.

When The Argus visited the seafront it was not overly busy, but there were a few groups of six enjoying a stroll and chatting excitedly by the beach.

The tennis courts at Queen's Park and Hove Lawns are quickly being reacquainted with regular rallying, and the basketball court by the i360 was a popular spot for sports fans throughout the day.

Brighton and Hove in the sunshine as lockdown measures are eased further on March 29 Credit: Eddie Mitchell

While the blue skies and sunshine added a sheen to proceedings as the government's roadmap continues to progress on schedule, the Met Office has warned that the warmer weather is unlikely to last.

The UK is expected to enjoy a pleasant start to the week, followed by a spell of wintry weather.

The weather service's chief meteorologist Steve Ramsdale, said: "The UK will see a few days of notably warm weather to end March, with a maximum of 24C on Wednesday in the south and east of England.

Brighton and Hove in the sunshine as lockdown measures are eased further on March 29 Credit: Eddie Mitchell

"There will also be plenty of sunshine across England and Wales, however parts of Scotland will see some persistent rain over the next couple of days.

"Conditions will start to change through the day on Thursday as cooler air moves in from the north east, highs will fall to the mid-teens before falling further by Friday, especially along the east coast.

"With pressure building from the north however, conditions are expected to remain dry for the majority.

Brighton and Hove in the sun on March 29, the day lockdown restrictions were lifted further Credit: Simon Dack

"Through Sunday, an even colder pool of air will start to push in across the UK from the north west, bringing a notable change to temperatures compared to the start of the week.

"This also brings a move towards more unsettled conditions with stronger winds and the chance of some wintry showers."

Temperatures in Brighton and Hove are forecast to peak at 17C at 4pm tomorrow.

But they could plummet as low as 3C in the early hours of Sunday morning.