Sunbathers are in their element as the temperature reaches 30C

Brighton beach disappeared yesterday morning. By 10am, so many people had put down towels to reserve their place under a scorching June sun that, in the words of a city council spokesman: "You literally cannot see the stones."

Brighton beach disappeared yesterday morning. By 10am, so many people had put down towels to reserve their place under a scorching June sun that, in the words of a city council spokesman: "You literally cannot see the stones."

The lure was a day of heat that touched 30C in places, the hottest of the year so far. London took the record, Yorkshire saw 27C, Birmingham 28C and Aberdeenshire 24C. Gleeful weather-watcherssaid temperatures in England outstrippedthose in Florida and the Caribbean.

Most of England is likely to have another sweltering day today. Scotland and Wales may have showers. Experts predict that temperatures could reach 32C and William Hill has reduced to 5/1 the odds on Britain recording the hottest day ever this year- the record was set in 2003, when the thermometer hit 38.1C (100F). Enjoy it while it lasts: the nights start drawing in on Wednesday.