Villagers battled to keep their cool as temperatures soared to 29.5°C in Charlwood – one of the hottest areas of the country.

The Met Office weather recording station, near the village's parish hall, Stan Hill, rocketed to the scorching levels on Tuesday, which were just shy of the nation's hottest area – Wisley, near Leatherhead, which topped 31.8°C.

Children at Charlwood Village Infant School, Chapel Road, were encouraged to wear hats and stay in the shade during this week's mini heatwave.

Head John Mell told the Mirror: "We're encouraging children to drink lots of water and not to run around so much at outside times.

"Nearly all of the children have been bringing their own hats in – they are getting more savvy about the heat."

He added: "There is just no air when it's like this. We've been having all the windows open to try and get some air into the building."

Vicki Mann, assistant manager of the Greyhound Pub, The Street, Charlwood, said: "It's just so hot here – it's almost unbearable."

The 22-year-old who moved into the area around six months ago said friends warned her it would get hot in the village during summer.

"People have been asking for pints of lager, but pints of water as well."

Tony Keogh, of Bespoke Swimming Pools, Reigate Road, Hookwood, revealed he has been overloaded with inquiries in the midst of the heatwave.

He said: "People contacting us about swimming pools have gone through the roof. I absolutely love this sunshine.

"When the sun's out, one of the first things people think about is swimming.

"They've gone crazy about it. We made a sale yesterday and work begins in February."

Harminder Panesar, GP at the Woodlands and Clerklands partnership that has a surgery on Vicarage Lane, Horley, said: "I know some patients having been calling into hospital with sunburn symptoms.

"With temperatures into the 30s, everyone should be drinking plenty of fluids and trying to stay in the shade. The young and the elderly are especially at risk. It's just common sense not to stay out for too long and risk skin burn or cancer.

"Even using sunscreen, people should avoid being out in the midday sun for more than 15 to 20 minutes."

Surrey Mirror weather guru Ian Currie said the village should prepare itself for more heat towards the end of July and August.

He told the Mirror: "The warmest temperatures are normally always in August – this is generally the hottest time of the year."

See page 3 for more of our pictures of people having fun in the sun