13 March 2007: Early Summer

Summer has come early in the United States, at least according to the clocks. American daylight-saving-time - which creates lighter evenings - began this year three weeks earlier than usual.

The main aim of the move is to cut fuel usage. It is estimated that the change will save America £150m per annum and avoid the need to build more than three large electric power plants.

The proponents of the move said "We will see wide energy saving, less crime, fewer traffic fatalities, more recreation time and increased economic activity. Ultimately, daylight saving just brings a smile to everybody's faces."

Summer will end later too. Clocks will change back on 4th November, a week later than in previous years.