Sunshine and above-average temperatures are expected this weekend as "exceptionally mild" conditions continue across the UK.

The Met Office said a high of 17C could be reached in some sheltered parts of the country - more than double February's average of 8C.

The mild weather is a marked contrast to the low temperatures and snow brought by the Beast from the East just 12 months ago.

Met Office meteorologist Dean Hall said: "It's exceptionally mild for the time of year.

"It's pretty impressive bearing in mind this time last year we were talking about the Beast from the East.

"What a difference 12 months makes."

Forecasters expect low cloud and fog affecting eastern, southern and central parts of England late on Friday to gradually clear overnight, giving way to sunny spells and dry conditions on Saturday afternoon.

Temperatures will be mild, possibly reaching 17C in northern and western parts of Wales.

Northern Ireland and west Scotland will be affected by a band of cloud and rain which will become light and patchy as it moves eastwards.

North-west Scotland could be windy and there is low risk of some coastal gales in the far north west.

Saturday night could bring some fog patches across large parts of England and Wales, with it turning chilly in places like Northern Ireland and East Anglia.

The Met Office said a touch of frost could arrive in areas across the far north and the south east of England.

But from Sunday morning areas of cloud and fog will clear, bringing what is expected to be another dry day with the best of the sunshine being across the South East.

Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-teens, particularly in sheltered parts of north and west Wales, Devon and around the Moray Firth.

The settled, sunny and generally dry weather is set to continue across England and Wales into the earlier part of next week, with some overnight fog likely.

It may be windier and more changeable in the far north west.