EAST Lancashire will bask in glorious sunshine this weekend with forecasters saying that spring sun is expected to last right through into Sunday.

After a fine day yesterday, more of the same is predicted for the area.

The Met Office’s Blackburn weather station predicts sun with temperatures up to 19°C (66F) tomorrow, and similar levels on Sunday.

It will turn cloudy on Sunday night with temperatures falling to 13°C (55.4F) during Monday.

The Haslingden weather station predicts slightly cooler temperatures of 18°C (64F) tomorrow, and the same as the Blackburn forecast for Sunday and Monday.

Those are the MET Office’s only East Lancashire stations.

The forecast will give families a great start to the school Easter holiday.

Brendan Jones, forecaster at MeteoGroup UK, said: "On Saturday just about the whole of the country is going to have a good day with lots of sunshine and a light wind.”

The forecast for the weekend is so good that the RSPCA in Lancashire issued a warning to pet owners reminding them of the dangers of leaving animals in hot cars, conservatories or caravans.

The charity said: "All too often, owners make the mistake of thinking that it is sufficient to leave a bowl of water or a window open for their pet but this is not enough to protect your pet from heatstroke, which can have fatal consequences.”

The RSPCA said that outside temperatures of 22 degrees, such as those recorded in parts of England yesterday, could result in the temperature inside a vehicle soaring to 47 degrees within an hour.

Lancashire hadd so far seen less of the balmy temperatures this week.

However, a large area of high pressure moved in yesterday, covering virtually all of the UK and bringing with it a fine day with spells of sunshine, experts say.