December in Ledbury was slightly colder than in recent years, according to Albert Road weather watcher Norman Selkirk.

An average temperature of just 4.9 degrees Celsius was recorded, partly due to some chilly days during the second and third weeks.

Mr Selkirk said: "It gradually got warmer just before the festive season and Christmas Day itself saw the month's highest temperature of 11.6 degrees Celsius.

"The lowest recorded temperature was minus 3.9 degrees Celsius, on both the 8th and the 18th.

"There were eight air frosts but no snow fell. The last week saw unsettled conditions continue into the New Year, with westerly winds and spells of rain, and very mild weather."

Mr Selkirk said that overall dryness was the most outstanding feature of Ledbury's weather in 2003.

Only 491.6mm of rain fell, compared with an average for the area of 710mm.

The hottest day of the year came on July 15, when 32.8 degrees Celsius was noted, but the driest month was August, when just 7.9mm of rain fell.

The lowest reading was minus 5.6 degrees Celsius, on February 18.

Mr Selkirk added: "The only day with any snow was January 9, which saw a slight, short-lived covering."