Will the UK's hottest place on record keep its title?

People are adapting to the sweltering heat in Coningsby, the UK's hottest place on record, ordering everything from doubled smoothies to animal paddling pools and popsicles.

While some residents take pride in the title, others are more than ready for a break from the scorching temperatures.

Coningsby has the highest UK temperature ever recorded, according to the Met Office, reaching 40.3C in 2022.

However, with the country currently in the middle of another record heatwave, Coningsby's record could well be put to the test in the coming days.

For now, business owners and residents in the Lincolnshire town, famous for its RAF base that is home to one of two quick reaction alert teams, are doing all they can to stay cool in the heat.

Peter Connolly, who owns Ginger Cow Cafe and Bistro, says he has seen double the orders of milkshakes and smoothies during this week's surge in hot weather.

"We've certainly seen an increase in business this week. People are getting out more and certainly they're looking for something to quench their thirst as well," he says.

While Peter is proud of the 2022 record, he does not want to see the weather get any hotter.

"I'd like to say we'd like to keep the title, however, I have to respect our staff and how hot they feel. The temperature today is probably enough for us," he says.

Earlier, the Lincolnshire town reached highs of 30C and an attraction about 10 minutes down the road is proving to be very popular.

Jubilee Park in Woodhall Spa, which is home to a community-run lido, sold out of swimming sessions.

"We are a charity so any weather like this is brilliant for us," operations manager Rachael Meller says.

"Every little bit of money that comes through the doors is a godsend for us because we can put that back into improving our facilities."

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As a result of previous spells of hot weather, the charity implemented separate sessions to prevent staff and customers from being in the heat for too long.

"There's risk of heat exhaustion and heat-stroke. So, if they're not in the sun for as long, again, we can manage it better," Rachael adds.

Rachael worked at the pool three years ago when Coningsby gained its hottest place title.

"Again, very similar to what we're having now, the amount of people that we're seeing, the staff wilting," she says.

"I would hope that we're still the record holders for this area. It's quite a nice little accolade to have that as a record. We don't want London to beat us.

"Fingers crossed it's not going to get any hotter."

It is not just people who are enjoying a splash in the pool.

Ark Wildlife Park, in Stickney, near Coningsby, have been switching things up to make it cooler for their animals.

The animals have been rescued from the exotic pet trade, including some from Africa, meaning they are used to the heat.

"These guys are absolutely loving it and they're out sunbathing," Jamie Mintram, co-owner says.

But some of the animals, like the arctic foxes, struggle with the hot weather, meaning special measures have been in place.

These include paddling pools, frozen watermelon slices, ice blocks filled with crickets, and blood popcicles, which are a particular favourite with lynx.

The park usually sees a slight bump in business when the hot weather comes, but it has not been as busy because of the extent of the heat recently.

But as long as the animals are happy, Jamie says he is too.

Similarly, staff at Tattershall Farm Park have been feeding their meerkats frozen mud pies, spraying their emu with water and refilling the alpacas' pools.

Owner Marie Morrell says they closed the park in 2022 because of the heat. Despite adapting better this year, she says the business has still taken a hit.

"A business like ours will always feel the pinch when the weather is this warm because what you want to do is sit in the garden... you don't want to come somewhere like a farm park," she says.

But, unlike others, Marie would be happy for Coningsby to let go of its record-breaking accolade.

"I'm not worried about holding the title for any longer. Somebody else can have it," she says.

The Met Office has issued an extreme heat warning for much of southern and central England and Wales, with amber warnings extending into Friday and Saturday.

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