HUNDREDS of leaflets warning of the dangers posed by swimming in the Malvern Hills quarries have been handed out.

The Malvern Hills Conservators took the unusual step yesterday (Thursday) after visits by wardens earlier in the week failed to put off youngsters cooling down from the scorching summer sun.

On the very same day, a 12- year-old boy had to be rescued after he climbed 120ft feet up Earnslaw Quarry.

The conservators fear not only the risks for people who dive into the shallow pools but also the danger that swimmers could cramp up in the icy cold water.

In the past eight years three people have died from drowning in the quarries while numerous others have had to be rescued.

Ian Rowat, conservators' director, said: "We've had deaths there - if we hadn't had deaths we wouldn't be killjoys.

"The water's cold, people have had cramps and died. We can't allow people to swim there, it's one of the most dangerous spots around. But people are saying they know it's dangerous but like the adrenaline rush."

The boy in yesterday's rescue had tried to climb the quarry but, like many others before him, got into difficulties.

After the specialist line rescue unit from Malvern Fire Station was called out, at 11.40am, a firefighter was lowered down to the boy and secured him in a rescue harness.

Not everyone was enjoying the sun by putting their lives at risk.

Visitors to Malvern Link Common made the most of the summer sun when they enjoyed rides at a touring funfair.

But anyone watching for record temperatures was disappointed.

Temperatures peaked at 31 degrees celsius (87.8 degrees fahrenheit) on Monday before slipping to 29 (84.2) on Tuesday and Wednesday and 30 on Thursday.

Malvern's all-time high is 35.8 (96) in August 1990.