Crowds of sun worshippers headed for the beaches yesterday as temperatures soared above 86 Fahrenheit.

Bikinis and beach shorts seemed the only suitable attire as the heatwave sizzled across Sussex.

With temperatures easing past the 30C (86F) mark - hotter than in Ibiza and the Canary Islands - most took the opportunity to dive into the sea and cool off or enjoy a pint on the promenade.

Lydia Thomas, 24, and Laura Whitney, 22, travelled to Brighton from Hemel Hempstead for the day.

They had been sun bathing opposite the Brighton Centre before taking the plunge.

Laura said: "It's a superb day, we came down just to have a good relax on the beach."

From the Palace Pier to West Pier in Brighton, it was standing room only in places and businesses on the promenade reported a busy day's trade.

Yesterday afternoon, the Met Office said it was going to be the hottest week ever recorded in July, with a good chance of the overall UK temperature record being smashed in the South East on Wednesday.

Temperatures are expected to reach 37C (99F) and there is the possibility of 39C (102F), experts said.

Health bosses urge those who may be vulnerable to the heat to visit the NHS Direct website at nhs.direct.nhs.uk for advice.