OXFORD has today basked in what looks set to be the hottest April day since records began.

The county's mini heatwave continued with temperatures a couple of degrees higher than those seen on Tuesday, which had been the hottest day of the year so far.

The Met Office's weather station at Benson said today's temperatures could hit 26C in some places, beating the 25.9C recorded in 2011.

And it wasn't just those lucky enough to be off work who enjoyed the weather.

Rhinos, meerkats and otters at Cotswold Wildlife Park all headed out to soak up the rays.

After being forced to close on numerous occasions due to snow in recent months, it was a welcome change for the park whose keepers were working hard to ensure the animals had plenty of shade and water.

Spokeswoman Debbie Ryan said: "After such a bleak start to April, our animals, and keepers, are revelling in the current hot weather, especially our lemurs, otters and meerkats who have all been basking in the glorious sunshine.

"We're also delighted to welcome back those visitors who kindly postponed their visit to the park following the exceptionally heavy rainfall recently. We'd like to thank them for their support and understanding over the last couple of weeks. It's been greatly appreciated by all of us at the park."

With temperatures dipping slightly tomorrow but still more sun predicted, Cheney School has already made blazers non-compulsory for students.