It's that time of year once again when the dark mornings and long nights return so that can only mean one thing - it's time to turn the clocks back.

For some the clocks going back marks the official start of autumn while for others it is an excuse to have an extra hour in bed but whatever the reason, don't forget to change them.

Daylight saving time officially began in the UK on Sunday, March 26 (when the clocks go forward) and will end on Sunday, October 29.

By 2am on Sunday, October 29, the clocks will go back an hour to 1am - providing an "extra hour" in bed.

Chloe Cantwell - 17 from Woodville Works at Overseal Pyrotechnics
Chloe Cantwell, 17, from Woodville, who works for Overseal Pyrotechnics, is reminding people to put their clocks back

Why do we change the clocks at all?

The moving of the clocks was first introduced during World War One by Germany and Austria, and later by the Allies, to save on coal usage, according to the Mirror Online.

It was invented by George Vincent Hudson, a New Zealand entomologist in 1895, while British businessman William Willett is also credited with the idea of getting up earlier and having more daylight hours after work.

While the UK has always had daylight savings time since it was first introduced, it came into widespread use across the world during the 1970s because of the energy crisis.

So, how do I remember which way to turn the clocks?

It sounds daft but we do this twice a year and it can be easy to get yourself muddled about which direction to change the clocks. To avoid getting confused, just remember the phrase "spring forward, fall back."

Will my mobile phone update?

You shouldn't have to worry about this, as Apple iPhones, iPad and Macs update automatically. However, it's worth checking you have "set automatically" turned on in your date and time settings - and the same goes for all smart phones.

Mobile phone network operators also change times accordingly, so this shouldn't be a problem.

How about the clocks in my car?

Some modern cars will change their clocks automatically, particularly if they come with computer consoles.

However, people with older models will probably have to change it themselves and, if in doubt, make sure you don't rely on your vehicle until you know for definite whether it will update automatically or not.

What can you do with the extra hour?

Having a little extra time can only be a good thing but then you have to decide what to do with it.

Here are just a few suggestions to keep you busy:

  • Enjoy a well-earned lie in
  • Get your nails done
  • Visit the local pub
  • Go to your favourite cafe for a bacon sandwich
  • Pay a visit to the gym
  • Catch up with friends you haven't seen for a while
  • Get some of those jobs done you have been meaning to do

A version of this story first appeared on the Liverpool Echo

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