It was supposed to be Blue Monday but in spite of the chilly conditions, city folk weren't going to let the supposed trend get them down.

It's believed that an ad campaign from Sky Travel in 2005 first used the term ‘Blue Monday’ to refer to the third Monday of January.

The firm claimed to have used a calculation that took into account the weather, Christmas debts and motivation levels to explain low moods. 

It was the top trending hashtag on Twitter but the Quadram Institute, based at Norwich Research Park, tweeted that “Blue Monday is a myth” as “people can feel low any time of the year”.

The Samaritans charity also put its own twist on the day with Brew Monday, combatting the supposed “most depressing day of the year" by encouraging people to sit down for a cup of tea and a chat.

So how were the people of Norwich feeling about the contentious day?

Hilary Butcher, 72, of Miller’s Lane in NR3, certainly wasn't feeling blue.

Norwich Evening News: Hilary Butcher stopped near Norwich Market to give her views about Blue MondayHilary Butcher stopped near Norwich Market to give her views about Blue Monday (Image: Newsquest)

This weekend she will be marrying her partner of three years, who she met in her retirement home.

"I didn’t even know about the most depressing day," said Hilary.

"I’m getting married on Saturday so I’m happy! 

"I probably wouldn’t pay any attention to it anyway. Obviously, some people do, but not me.”

Mr and Mrs Halfpenny, a Norwich-based couple, compared the feeling of ‘Blue Monday’ to returning from a summer holiday. 

“If people are over-spending at Christmas time, then your bills coming in can be a bit too much to handle," said Mrs Halfpenny.

Jack Roper, 20, said that he didn’t even know about Blue Monday, saying that he prefers to take his worries “as they come”.

Norwich Evening News: Jack Roper hadn't heard of Blue Monday beforeJack Roper hadn't heard of Blue Monday before (Image: Newsquest)

Having just been through a breakup, 24-year-old Sam McCabe was visiting from Glasgow.

He said “Blue Monday started off badly”, blaming a mixture of lack of sleep and a low mood.

Norwich Evening News: Sam McCabe was visting Norwich from Glasgow on Blue MondaySam McCabe was visting Norwich from Glasgow on Blue Monday (Image: Newsquest)

But he insisted his attitude was that “the only way is up” and that he felt more positive looking forward despite his past experiences.