QUEUES stretched back to the street at Droitwich Lido as the county enjoyed one of the hottest days of the year.

Children flocked to the Lido in high temperatures, celebrating their first week of the summer holidays.

Temperatures reached around 30C on Thursday although this fell short of the county’s record of 34C, which Malvern forecaster Frank Hill, who worked for the Met Office for 40 years, thought could be beaten.

Mr Hill also said it was set to be one of the hottest and driest summers on record.

The Met Office said a temperature of 34.4C was recorded at Heathrow in west London, making it the hottest day of the year.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service warned members of the public to be careful around rivers, quarries and lakes in the area and recognise the dangers of entering open water.

Group commander Mick Cadman said: “Although the water might be inviting in this hot weather, it's also very dangerous. Even strong swimmers can find themselves in difficulty as the water can cause a cold-shock response."

Dogs Trust Evesham issued advice to keep dogs safe in the hot weather.

They advises owners to have fun with their pets inside and to introduce mental exercise techniques instead of physical exercise, including teaching dogs to to touch your hand with their nose.

Chris Slight, Dogs Trust Evesham Rehoming Centre manager, said: “Help your dog to cool down by giving them a tasty watermelon slice in moderation, making sure they have plenty of shade, and by putting fresh wet towels on the floor for them to lie down on.”

Thunderstorms could bring floods and surface water on the roads on Friday and Saturday.

For the latest on the weather, see worcesternews.co.uk