DESPITE 2013 being confirmed as the coldest Easter on record, families across Worcestershire were determined to make the most of the bank holiday weekend.

Temperatures plummeted to -12.5C in some parts of the UK on Sunday, defeating the previous record of -9.8C set on Easter Monday in 1986.

After what is being reported as the coldest March since 1892, there was still a distinct chill in the air yesterday as biting winds whipped around the Faithful City.

However this failed to stop people enjoying the wealth of activities on offer. Droves of dog walkers and families flocked to Worcester Woods Country Park on their day off.

Hardy children and their parents staved off the cold by taking part in free sports sessions organised by Worcester City Council.

Community sports coach Sarah Williams said: “The children have been taking part in sports such as tennis, football, rugby and using the parachute.

“The idea is to try and get kids active through the school holidays and give them the opportunity to use equipment they have used at school, but don’t get to use at home. They have a lot of fun doing it.”

Over in Fort Royal Park families ignored the brisk winds to take part in a bonnet competition, an Easter egg hunt, a quiz and an egg rolling competition.

The event was organised by the Friends of Fort Royal Park, which is looking for supporters to keep the park clean and get more community activities happening.

Chairman Lynne Denham said: “We want to show the importance of the park as a heritage site and celebrating that and people enjoying the park, even when it’s cold.”

The Easter celebrations coincided with the opening of the gates to Worcester Commandery on a daily basis for the first time in the museum’s history.

Sarah Bourne, duty manager at the Commandery, in Sidbury, said she was pleased to link the park with the museum.

Meanwhile Worcestershire County Museum, at Hartlebury Castle, became more like Meerkat Manor as it played host to an Easter animal extravaganza. Hundreds of people flocked to the event and were spoiled for choice with lots of rare and exotic breeds and species on show.

For those who did not want to brave the cold, some activities were held indoors including mosaic-making, spinning, face-painting and puppet theatre.

Forecasters at are warning there is no end to the cold snap in sight just yet.

Frosty starts are in store for Worcester most days this week, with temperatures as low as -2C in the mornings. Temperatures could reach highs of 8C in the afternoons, but that is still below the average 10C-13C expected for the time of year.

There are currently no signs of snow returning to Worcestershire, with forecasters expecting a mix of bright sunshine and cloud.