AS people wrap up warm to brave the cold temperatures of recent weeks, they can at least be grateful that the rain has held off.

Last year, Tavistock was reported to have had the third wettest year of the decade, with 67.52 inches of rainfall, and the single wettest day of the year on July 6.

Yet only five days before that was the hottest day of the year with the temperature reaching 30C on July 1.

The longest time without a downpour of rain was 24 days from September 9 to October 2.

It may seem cold now, but last year, the coldest temperature recorded for Tavistock was -9.5C on the night of January 7 and the snowiest day was Friday, February 6 with one and a half inches — higher parts of Mary Tavy had 8 inches.

the Times is grateful to David Thomas, of Tavistock, for supplying the information.

Mr Thomas, who takes part in the British Trust for Ornithology bird-watching scheme, reports seeeing a Ring Ouzel in his garden last week. Ring Ouzels usually migrate in September.