Local time/date

<?php
$timezone = "the UK";
$time_diff = "0";
$alter = ($time_diff * 60 * 60);
$date_today = date ("l F jS Y", time () + $alter);
$time_now = date ("h:ia", time () + $alter);

echo "It's currently <strong>$time_now</strong> on <strong>$date_today</strong> in <strong>$timezone</strong>.";
?>