Beachgoers enjoy sunrise and cool off on North Tyneside and in Saltburn as heatwave continues

Beachgoers were treated to a stunning sunrise on North Tyneside this morning as temperatures continue to soar across the country.

Kayakers took to the water at Cullercoats Bay, while others sat back and watched - taking in the view.

Further south in the region, people were out from 4.30am to get a glimpse of the sunrise and cool off.

At Saltburn, people were swimming and paddle-boarding as Britain endured its hottest night ever recorded on Monday.

Many of those at the beach told ITV News Tyne Tees they headed to the coast in an attempt to cool off in the extreme weather.

Rachel Ayers, a Met Office forecaster, said Tuesday would continue to be a "pretty unprecedented day".

She said: "The temperature will be very hot throughout the day, before rising as high as 40C, maybe even 41C in isolated spots across England during the afternoon.

“This will make it the hottest day on record and the first time we have seen temperatures as high as 40C.”

Emergency services and the government have reiterated urgent warnings about the dangers of trying to keep cool in the hot weather after several tragedies in the waterways and reservoirs, including one in Northumberland.

Matt Coxall, from the Royal Life Saving Society, said people should be particularly careful of cold water shock in the hot weather.

He said: "What we're worried about is people getting into trouble because swimming outdoors is very different to where a lot of people learnt to swim in an indoor, safe, warm environment."

The conditions prompted the Met Office to introduce the first ever red warning for extreme heat.

Britons are being urged to stay inside during the hottest period of the day, between 11am and 4pm, and wear sun cream, a hat, stay in the shade and keep hydrated with water.