AFTER the freezing winter of record low temperatures and snow misery, could this be the first sign that spring is finally on its way?

Snowdrops are starting to bloom in the region, as this picture shows.

Scunthorpe Telegraph reader Stuart Bryars, sent in the image after capturing some of the first snowdrops of the year.

This was backed up by another snap of snowdrops from reader Clive Lister, usually a sure sign that spring is near. After this week's frosts, temperatures were forecast to remain comfortably above freezing.

And gardeners are optimistic a changing of the seasons could be imminent.

Telegraph columnist John Cavill said: "It is fantastic news if spring is on the way.

"If you look closely, things have got buds on, even though they were covered in snow just a few weeks ago. Things are starting to move, even though it has been cold and snowy.

"All of the fruit is starting to bud up.

"It is an exciting time for me. I have got a lot of projects and I will be getting them ready for planting."

Mr Cavill said he had noticed some plant activity before the snow.

He said: "I had bulbs coming up in late November and early December but they shouldn't have been showing their faces until this time of year.

"Then, we had all of the snow and it has knocked it back a bit.

"Now, I have got one daffodil bulb out, so all sorts is happening."

And Mr Cavill said now would be a time for gardeners to ensure they are ready for the spring.

He said: "Normally, I would have all of the leaves swept up by the end of December and ready for January and February but the snow buried all of the leaves.

"It is now a mixture of doing what I should have been doing in December and getting everything ready for the next season.

"Hopefully the spring bulbs are going to start showing soon and even some greenery.

"We will then know they have survived the winter and they are ready to move.

"Knowing they have all survived the winter would be great."

Anita Chisnell, from Scunthorpe's Silica Lodge Garden Centre, said: "I am noticing some fat buds on some things in my own garden and a lot of shoots are starting to come onto the surface edge.

"It has been very cold but it doesn't mean everything is standing still by any means. Our spring bulbs, like daffodils, tulips and snowdrops will all be going in.

"It was very quiet over November and December and a lot of the planting time was lost but now people are starting to think about trees, hedging and soft fruits.

"People are buying it and getting themselves ready."