SUN worshippers in Worcester enjoyed the hottest early May Bank Holiday Monday on record as the city’s previous record was toppled.

People flocked to the riverside to enjoy ice creams and boat trips while dogs cooled down under sprinklers at Pitchcroft and in the fountains of South Quay.

The Earl boat was packed when it set off from the dock at 11am for a river cruise and dragon boaters made the most of the heat.

Worcester and Malvern held the record for the hottest Bank Holiday Monday from May 3, 1999 when the mercury reached 23.6C. That record fell to Herstmonceux on Monday where a temperature of 24.2C was recorded.

Worcester also broke its own high the temperature rising to 24C by 1pm.

Richard Wall, aged 53, of Cutnall Green, near Droitwich, and Labrador-Retriever cross Lucy, 12, were enjoying the sunshine. Mr Wall said: “The hotter the better. It makes such a difference to the area. People come out and spend money for the local economy – it’s great. Lucy enjoys it too.

“Everything is pointing to this being a record breaker. Hopefully it will continue. I’m hoping for a long hot summer.”

Chris Wise, manager at Cafe Severn, said the warm weather had brought out more customers with a busy morning for breakfasts.

The West Midlands Ambulance Service issued a warning to motorcyclists not to go out in shorts, a t-shirt and flip flops. A service spokesperson said: “If you come off you could receive life changing injuries at best. It’s not worth it. Our staff reported far too many riders putting themselves at risk yesterday. Dress for the slide, not the ride.”

West Mercia also warned people about leaving their dogs in hot cars, quoting RSPCA figures which recorded 7,199 calls about dogs suffering from heat exposure. After the Bank Holiday, the weather begins to change with a small risk of thunderstorms on Tuesday in the south, although staying very warm. Wednesday will see bands of rain or showers pushing eastwards across the UK, displacing the warmth.