TRADITIONALLY the first flower of the year, snowdrops have come to symbolise hope, making them a welcome sight for walkers in Stroud.

These beautiful images were taken yesterday morning at Painswick Rococo Garden, which boasts one of the largest collections of naturalised snowdrops in the country.

A spokeswoman for the garden said: "Snowdrops are synonymous with hope - a sign of spring being just around the corner.

"We hope these pictures taken yesterday morning bring a little joy and a reminder that there are better days ahead."

She added: "Sadly, this year it can only be enjoyed by those lucky enough to live locally.

"We're looking at creating a virtual tour for everyone else - not quite the same but hopefully something for snowdrop lovers to enjoy."

The garden is open Friday to Sunday for local exercise.

Numbers are limited and information about visiting can be found here: rococogarden.org.uk/news/current-opening/

How far can you travel for exercise during the lockdown?

The official guidance states that exercise should be done locally wherever possible - preferably in your neighbourhood.

But you can travel to exercise if needed.

This means if you must travel to access an open space, you can do so, within reason.

As far as travelling to beauty spots goes, you should not do this unless it is one very close to your home.

This definition does not clarify specific distances, but this comment from the Department of Health and Social Care provides a better indication.

They said: “The term ‘local area’ in this context has not been legally defined.

"However, people should be sensible about this - if you do leave home for a permitted reason, you should stay local in the village, town, or part of the city where you live - unless there is a justifiable reason not to do so (for example, you need to travel further for work or to avoid harm)."