Heatwave update - council tips closing early because of heatwave

St Mary's Church, a cool refuge during the exceptionally hot days

Church leaders said: “We will be opening the church from 9am – 6pm on Monday and Tuesday for anyone that would like to come into a cool and calm place and escape from the heat.

"All are welcome; if you want to bring your lunch in to escape from the office or are just in town and want to sit down for a little bit please come in.”

Oxfordshire County Council decided to close its amenity and household waste tips at 1pm today (Monday) and tomorrow because of the heat.

Residents are urged to stay hydrated.

Binmen are starting work soon after dawn to get their work done before the hottest part of the day.

Nature experts have urged residents to put out shallow dishes of water to help wildlife during the hot weather.

Northamptonshire Highways has been spreading sand on roads to prevent the surfaces melting.

And police have been warning motorists that leaving car windows open while parked could encourage break-ins.