TODAY is shaping up to be the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures in Taunton reaching up to 15C...and what better way to celebrate than with a free ice cream. 

It's all thanks to Ben and Jerry's annual Free Cone Day, which is today (April 12), so if you're a fan of their frozen delights, now's the time to enjoy a scoop.

To mark the day, Ben and Jerry's are giving away a free scoop of one of their ice creams in a cone or cup - we don't have a store here in Taunton, but the Odeon Cinema sell the sweet treat and are taking part in the event between 12pm-8pm. 

The annual day started back in 1979, just a year after the company was set up. 

Jerry and Ben wanted to thank their local community in Vermont for supporting their start-up ice cream venture, by giving out free scoops.

It has now become a 37-year-old tradition, and as they open more stores, is one that’s becoming increasingly generous. 

Ed Shepherd, social mission manager at Ben and Jerry's said: "Free Cone Day feels a little bit like our birthday party and the best day of the year for us here at Ben & Jerry’s.

"We can’t wait to get out there and celebrate with ice cream lovers around the world.”

Send us your pictures of you enjoying an ice cream (or two) to danielle.morris@nqsw.co.uk or tweet us: @CountyGazette