ROADS across North Hampshire have been left deserted this weekend as people heed the government's social distancing advice.

Photos show the M3, usually busy with people travelling to the south coast on a sunny weekend, desolate, with not a vehicle in sight.

It came as the government issued a warning after worries that people would venture out in the beautiful weather.

In parts of North Hampshire, temperatures got to 21 degrees on Sunday, with unbroken sunshine for most of the day.

Whilst pictures of the major roads in the region show the roads eerily quiet, police in Basingstoke had to issue a warning on social media after many people in Eastrop Park and War Memorial Park were sunbathing and feeding the ducks.

They said on Sunday: "As the weather is going to be much better today, again we want to reiterate that you should only be leaving your home if it is absolutely essential to.

"Feeding ducks and sunbathing do not fall into essential bracket!

"Officers will be out today engaging with members of the public and will be educating people, however we will be asking people to return home should they be found to not following these guidelines. Enforcement can be used if we believe it is appropriate at the time but we will always seek to encourage that person to return home first. Together as one big community we can beat this."

Meanwhile, photos show the A303 at Andover, normally a key route for travellers from London to the South West, empty.

They added yesterday: "So proud to see so few people out this morning around Andover and the villages.

"The A303 and A34 were all but deserted earlier!

"The sunshine may look appealing but there’s definitely a chilly breeze in the air. What’s better than wearing a jacket? Staying in of course."