BRITISH Summer Time is officially almost here, meaning lighter evenings for us all.

This year, the clocks will go forward on March 26, which is also Mothering Sunday.

The time will 'spring forward' by an hour (GMT+1) until the last Sunday in October (October 29), when the clocks 'fall back' and GMT will resume again.

What time will the clocks change?

On March 26, the clocks will go forward by an hour at 1am.

Although it means an hour less in bed, it also means lighter evenings.

While smartphones and many other devices will automatically switch to the new time, it is best to check your clocks on March 26 to avoid getting caught out.

Where did the idea of changing the clocks come from?

The idea of changing the clocks, or Daylight Saving Time, was thought up by a man called William Willett in 1907.

He came up with the idea to stop people wasting daylight in the summer months.

Germany was the first country to adopt the clock-changing plan in April 1916, and Britain followed the following month.

The first day of British summer was reported as May 21, 1916 as Parliament passed the Summer Time Act.

It has been in place ever since – despite criticism from some groups.