Spring has sprung: we spoke to Manchester residents as spring equinox marks longer days and warmer nights

It might not entirely seem like it given the weather at the moment, but spring has officially sprung in Manchester. The spring equinox, the start of astronomical spring for the northern hemisphere, fell on Monday (20 March). At exactly 9.24pm on Monday, countries north of the equator transition into spring, while those in the southern hemisphere head into autumn.

The equinox is when there are nearly equal amounts of light and dark across the Earth. There are two equinoxes throughout the calendar year - the spring one being the first and the second being the autumn equinox in September.

As spring begins we can start to look forward to the warmer months ahead and hopefully the temperatures rising a bit as well. This weekend, on 26 March, the clocks will be going forward to mark the start of British Summer Time, which is a welcome change for many in the UK as it will mean people can enjoy later sunsets and longer evenings.

We spoke to people in Manchester to find out what they think about the official beginning of spring and what effect the turning of the season has onl