Health bosses are bracing for a rise in hospitalisations and increased pressure on the NHS as an early spring heatwave descends on the UK - temperatures are set to break seasonal records

The Met Office expects temperatures to rise to at least 28C in London - the heatwave threshold - for at least five days in a row from Friday until next Tuesday.

The UK Health Security Agency has activated a six-day heat health alert for southern, eastern and central areas of England from Friday until next Wednesday.