THE gardening team at Tebay Services were surprised to find bright yellow flowers blooming across the Cumbrian hillside this week.

Mild weather has led to the earliest ever appearances of daffodils at Tebay Services that Estates Manager John France has seen in the 30 years he’s worked with the family business.

The gardening team planted 5,000 bulbs this winter, to add to the regular spring displays that surround the Services.

Species planted included Snowdrops, Bluebells, Daffodils and Tulips, all of which are already in full swing.

Tebay Gardener James Brown said: “The exceptionally mild winter has brought forth the early appearance of daffodils at Tebay Services.

“Our Assistant Gardener Shane Pease and I planted over 5,000 bulbs in autumn which was hard work, but as we are starting to see, is very rewarding once the flowers begin to bloom.”