MET Office officials have issued a Level 3 heatwave warning as temperatures reached 32C across parts the south east of England and London.

The warning was issued on the hottest day of the year, with the highest temperature being recorded at Northolt, London.

The warning alerts healthcare services to help those people who are considered to be in high-risk groups such as the elderly and young children.

Two similar heatwave warnings were issued last week in south-west England as well as Yorkshire and the Humber.

The warning officially makes it the UK’s first prolonged heatwave since 2006.

While sunbathers, sport watchers and barbecue fans have enjoyed basking in the warm weather, health officials said the heat could be dangerous for very young children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with serious illnesses.

Health experts have given the following tips to keep safe in the hot weather:

• Keep out of the sun between the hours of 11am and 3pm

• Wear loose clothing made from natural fibres

• Regularly apply suntan lotion- preferably factor 20 or above

• Drink lots of cool, non-carbonated, drinks

•Try to keep in the shade as much as possible

• Wear sunglasses and a hat