Good Day Sunshine! 29C High Breaks Record

Britons have basked in record-breaking temperatures of 29C (84F) - as forecasters predicted the mini-heatwave will last all weekend.

The mercury peaked in the East Midlands, beating the previous September 29 high of 27.8C (82F), which was recorded in York in 1895.

The unseasonably hot weather is set to continue into the weekend, which is likely to see many sun seekers heading to parks, rivers and coastal areas.

Temperatures are more than 10C (18F) higher than the average temperature for the end of September.

London enjoyed a sweltering 28.1C (83F) at Kew Gardens in the west of the capital, while the seaside village of Weybourne, in Norfolk, basked in 27.1C (81F)

Sky meteorologist Chris England said temperatures could reach 28C today and are likely to remain that high into Saturday and Sunday.

"If you like the hot weather, then you are going to enjoy this weekend," Dr England said.

"It's going to be unusually hot."

People living in coastal areas have been enjoying barbecues on the beach.

Brighton's famous pebble beach was packed with revellers and the city is expecting droves of extra visitors at the weekend.

Meanwhile, despite the soaring temperatures, one council is already preparing for the cold months by offering free grit to residents.

Each household in Sutton can collect 10kg of free grit to use on footpaths, pavements or roads in front of their homes when winter sets in.

Councillor Simon Wales, from Sutton Council , said: "It might seem a little strange to be handing out the free grit already, particularly when we're enjoying an Indian summer, but we have to be prepared.

"The snow last year came down in November so we want to ensure we're as ready as we possibly can be so we can keep the borough moving when winter comes."

The temperatures are expected to return to seasonal norms on Monday and much of Scotland was already grey today.

Travelodge reported record occupancy levels for the weekend, with a "double-digit increase" in bookings for Friday.

The chain, which has 483 hotels, said there had been a "stampede of bookings" over the last 24 hours, particularly at seaside towns.

Its top 10 destinations are Blackpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, Scarborough, Torquay, Morecambe, Great Yarmouth, Bangor in Wales, Eastbourne and Berwick upon Tweed.

Charlie Herbert, from Travelodge, said: "The unexpected heatwave this week has been fantastic for business. Our coastal hotels across the UK are totally booked out.

"We have seen a double digit increase in bookings for Friday so it looks like a lot of Britons will be taking the day off work to bask in the sunshine."Sky News