Parts of the UK are facing an "exceptional" risk of wildfires, particularly in southern and eastern regions, as the country endures its third heatwave of the year, with Natural England's fire severity index highlighting specific high-risk areas throughout the week.

As another heatwave is on the cards for parts of the UK, with highs of 35C, emergency services are bracing for a busy weekend as they issue stark warnings on the risks

There are warnings of a high risk of wildfires across England and Wales this weekend, due to the hot weather and dry conditions.

Fire services were tackling 19 separate wildfires, officials said in the latest update