​One of Britain’s largest collections of snowdrops has finally burst into life after the cold snap caused a record delay in the blooms’ arrival.

Hundreds of thousands of white flowers at Painswick Rococo Gardens in Gloucestershire have shown their heads above the soil a fortnight late.

The snowdrops cover acres of ground among the fantastical follies and trees near Stroud, but even now only half are out.

Usually the snowdrops begin to surface from the first week of January but the exceptionally biting weather made them reluctant to pop up.

Director Paul Moir said: “It is much later this year. I can’t remember them starting to come out as late as this.

“It is the cold weather. December was so cold, as was much of January, that they have been snuggling in the soil.

“The early ones have come out but the progress is very very slow because it has remained cold. I would normally expect the bulk to be out by now.

He added: “It is amazing what a bit of sunshine can do not only to our spirits but the snowdrops as well.”

The Rococo garden, near Stroud, was rebuilt in the 1970s based on a design dating back to the 18th century.

The garden features follies and woodland paths on a magical theme built for the entertainment of the gentry.