Youngsters enjoyed pond dipping in the waters at Clare Castle Country Park as they made the most of the sunshine during their half-term break.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lydia found some shrimp during the wildlife morning at Clare Castle Country ParkLydia found some shrimp during the wildlife morning at Clare Castle Country Park (Image: Archant)

After a rainy May - one of the wettest on record - temperatures began to soar last week as families enjoyed the final half-term break from school before the summer.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sidney and Miles enjoyed a morning fishing for shrimp in Clare Castle Country ParkSidney and Miles enjoyed a morning fishing for shrimp in Clare Castle Country Park (Image: Archant)

The hottest temperature recorded in Suffolk last week was just under 26C at Santon Downham, according to East Anglian-based forecasters Weatherquest.

East Anglian Daily Times: The pair read all about the wildlife found in the pondThe pair read all about the wildlife found in the pond (Image: Archant)

The pond dipping at the country park in Clare last Thursday was part of a wildlife morning that gave youngsters 45 minutes to catch what they could find in the water.

East Anglian Daily Times: Miles, Lydia and Sidney fishing for shrimp and other creaturesMiles, Lydia and Sidney fishing for shrimp and other creatures (Image: Archant)

At the end of the session, the children showed off their catches - with many picking up shrimp from the pond.

East Anglian Daily Times: Children enjoying pond dipping on their half-term breakChildren enjoying pond dipping on their half-term break (Image: Archant)

A number of activities were set up across Suffolk and north Essex over last week's break - with many families opting to visit landmarks such as Framlingham Castle or take a day trip to one of the region's beaches.