PERSHORE was officially the hottest place in the country on Friday, with the thermometer reaching 23.7C (75.02F) at Pershore College as people flocked to parks and open spaces to make the most of the mini heatwave.

However, that figure was topped by the mercury rising to 23.9C (74.66F) in Santon Downham in Suffolk on Saturday.

Next week will become more unsettled with thundery showers anticipated all over the country although overnight temperatures are expected to stay warm.