Britons cool off in the River Wye in Lower Lydbrook, Gloucestershire, UK on Wednesday (June 24), the hottest day of the year so far, with the temperature reaching 31 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country.

The mercury is expected to hit the mid-30s in the south of England before Friday, and forecasters and medics have urged people to take extra precautions to stay safe in the sun.

Swimmers in the picturesque village of Lower Lydbrook, Gloucestershire UK cool off in the stunning river Wye. The gentle rapids provide the perfect place to escape the heat while still maintaining the all important social distancing rules. The river banks were scattered with families enjoying picnics and BBQs.