MERSEYSIDE basked in glorious sunshine yesterday as the region’s beaches and parks became a mecca for visitors – and we should have at least another day to come.

With the temperature reaching 25°C and thousands of children on half-term from school, many families headed to the coast to enjoy a day at the seaside.

Sefton Park and Calderstones Park were popular spots for picnics, while the region’s more formal attractions were also doing well.

At Knowsley Safari Park the animals were basking in the heat they would normally find in their natural habitats.

The rhinos were wallowing in the mud while the baboons enjoyed that traditional monkey delicacy – ice lollies.

On Crosby beach, Rachael West, 35, from Waterloo said: “It’s one of the great things about living in Liverpool. When the sun comes out we’ve got everything on our doorstep. It’s great for the kids.”

The MET office believe today will be another scorcher but that the weather will start to cool tomorrow as a cold weather front from the north will introduce cooler air.

A spokesman said: “The weather has been well above the seasonal norm which is 17°C. A cold weather front will introduce cooler air by Wednesday when the maximum will be 18°C.”