Spring Takes A Bough

Eclipsing winter, spring takes a bough: Cherry blossom puts on a glorious show following run of warm weather

By rights she should still be hurrying about her business, wrapped up in a thick coat and hat.

But the first blush of cherry blossom, coaxed out of its buds by the warmth of the sun, proved too alluring for 23-year-old Viktorija Ruskyte.

Resting for a moment under the magnificent boughs on the banks of the river in Cambridge, the law student, from Lithuania, gazed at the view – surprised, perhaps, to have come across this sign of spring so early in the year.

 Reflect a while: Viktorija Ruskyte on the banks of the Cam, surprised to have come across this sign of spring so early in the year

 Spring colours: Punting enthusiasts glide past a row of cherry blossoms on the River Cam in Cambridge

 Loved around the world: People admire cherry blossoms as they stroll in Ueno Park in Tokyo. Japanese authorities today declared the cherry blossom season open