With the sun shining and a weekend beckoning, it has to be the perfect time to plan a picnic and there can't be many people who don't relish a chance to pack up some sarnies and a flask to enjoy in the great outdoors.
This Saturday and Sunday will wrap up National Picnic Week which, admittedly did not get off to the best of starts weather-wise in the North East, but it is set to go out in a blaze of sunshine.
Anyone looking for some picnic ideas which are a little more advanced than home-made efforts might like to know that high street store Marks and Spencer has come up with a range of picnic dishes to make planning that bit easier.
Its 'This is not just any picnic...' range is described by the store as the 'ultimate' al fresco treat, with the likes of chorizo lollipops, pesto houmous as well as cheese-topped pork pies and houmous swirls - a first - to enjoy with crisps or crudités.
There are also 'deli pots' of the likes of tandoori king prawns with split pea dhal, and roast sweet potato with smashed spiced carrot.
Other mix-and-match options include quiche, salads - including vegan ones - plus grains, pickled beetroot and antipasti platters and snacking platters.
Prices start at £2.50 and most are £3, with an offer of three items for £7.
They are on sale at M&S in Newcastle and other stores as well as available to order online here .
