The spring equinox begins on March 20 and is the first day of astronomical spring.
To mark a new season, here are 22 photos of people in and around Hartlepool enjoying spring over the decades.
![People from across the region gather to take part in the 2010 Race for Life 5k event held at the Historic Quay.](https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjEyNzk5Y2MwLTFmNWQtNGI4Ni04N2MyLTgwNzJjYjY3MmQyZDozNTY2YjFjZS0yZWY0LTRlZDEtYWNiYS1iYzQ4ODc4OTQxNjk=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
21. Race for Life
People from across the region gather to take part in the 2010 Race for Life 5k event held at the Historic Quay. Photo: TC
![Kids take part in an Easter egg trail around Easington in 2006.](https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjUwNzA4ODdiLTBmNDgtNGFlOS04NzNjLTU2YzM2YWE4ZGFhZDowMjMzNjAyOS04M2Q2LTQ5ZDAtYWUzNS1kMzQ3YmM5YjQyZjc=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
22. D16562 EASINGTON EASTER EGG TRAIL
Kids take part in an Easter egg trail around Easington in 2006. Photo: LH
6 / 6