The total washout that much of the country suffered on last week's Bank Holiday generated a big boost in householders looking to carry out home improvements.
That's according to website RatedPeople.com, which connects homeowners with over 25,000 local tradespeople, and which recorded a 15% increase year-on-year in jobs posted.

"We usually see a spike in job postings during long weekends, as British homeowners use the extra time off to carry out home improvements," said Chris Burke, director of insight at RatedPeople.com.

"This year, we had 15% more job postings compared to the same holiday period in 2013, which included unseasonally high volumes of requests for heating engineers, plumbers and roofers - largely due to the adverse weather conditions we experienced."

Requests for heating and engineering jobs increased by 75% year on year, locksmiths by 70%, loft conversions by 55% and window and conservatories by 38%.

Britons were also busy orchestrating larger home improvement jobs this August Bank Holiday, with plumbing jobs taking an 11% share of all job requests. Painting/decorating and roofing each took a 9% share, while building and carpentry/joinery each took 8%.