Thousands of sun-seekers flocked to the beach today as temperatures hit a sweltering 28C.

Brighton beach was lined with people as they sunbathed and took a dip in the sea to enjoy the warm weather and the sunshine.

Some beachgoers also took a dip in the sea and put up parasols as the mercury rose.

However, others were also seen 'tombstoning' from one of the groynes on the beach, an activity criticised by authorities as high-risk.

The RNLI has previously condemned young people seen jumping off the groynes and into the shallow sea below.

MOST READ:

Those taking the trip to Brighton to enjoy the summery weather faced some travel disruption, with a power failure at Gatwick Airport delaying some train services by more than an hour.

Meanwhile, visitors to Eastbourne had their trip to the beach disrupted after police cordoned off part of the seafront following a report of an unexploded bomb.

However, the report turned out later to be a false alarm, with the object revealed by police to be an old engine part.

While weather warnings have been issued for large parts of England for today and tomorrow for thunderstorms, Sussex looks set to avoid the stormy weather with more sunshine to come.

According to the Met Office, the warm weather is forecast to last well into next week, although temperatures will be slightly lower tomorrow at 23C.

The mercury will rise again by mid-week, however, reaching 27C on Tuesday.

Get more stories delivered to your inbox every day by signing up to our morning newsletter

An amber heat-health alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), remains in place until Tuesday morning for the entire county of Sussex.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: "Forecasted temperatures will primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

"If you have friends, family or neighbours who you know are more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, it is important you check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice."