SCORCHING weather hit the county for two days as record-breaking temperatures closed businesses and kept people indoors.

South Lakeland District Council reminded people that the wildfire risk was high and discouraged fires and barbecues.

And tourist spot Levens Hall returned the highest temperature figures.

It was reported that the popular destination reached a sweltering 34.8C, beating the previous record of 31.2C and recording a hotter temperature than everywhere else in Cumbria with Shap reaching 32.8C and Walney Island 33.9C.

Businesses such as The Shakespeare Inn in Kendal were forced to close to protect the wellbeing of their staff.

Walkers enjoying nature were caught out in the river Duddon Estuary and had to rely on rescue services, leading to rescuers issuing a warning for people enjoying the heat.

Read more: Rescuers issue warning after two people 'minutes' away from serious danger

A spokesperson for Duddon Inshore Rescue said while the water can be 'tempting' on hot days, care must be paid to the dangers of cold water shock and gulleys with steep drops relatively close to the shore.

They continued: "If you do find yourself in difficulty in the water, don't panic - fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back in the water and float on your back."

Across the country, temperatures reached 40C for the first time on record in the UK, with 40.2C provisionally recorded at Heathrow Airport and 40.3C at Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

People cut out essential journeys in most major cities as roads and railways became unusable in parts.

Services to and from London Euston were cancelled after a line fire and 'do not travel' notices were issued by rail operators, including Northern.

Damage to the lines through fires and track expansion has caused further delays and repairs are likely to continue. 

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said issues on the rails and roads will continue for decades during extreme heatwaves.

Read more: Warning as line fire suspends all train services to and from London Euston