Today was predicted to be the hottest day of the year in the district with a high of 31C (88F) - and forecasters reckon even that could be smashed by the end of the week.

The heatwave has also caused records to tumble at Ilkley Lido, which has been operating at near capacity and where more than 4,000 people were expected to flock today.

"The Lido has a people capacity of 5,000 so we certainly won't be turning visitors away," said a pool spokesman yesterday.

"It has been very busy here but because the water is still quite cool, people do not stay in the pool for too long and spend more time relaxing in the grounds."

Lister Park, Bradford, has also proved a popular haunt for sun-seekers.

Assistant park manager David Elcock said people have been visiting the park in droves.

"People are enjoying sitting in the sun and using the facilities on offer in the park. It is good to see the park being used as it should," he said.

But warm weather comes at a price when there are grounds and flower beds to look after.

"There are seven full-time members of staff working flat out to keep on top of everything in the park. More visitors means extra work but we're coping well to keep everything up to scratch," said Mr Elcock.

Weather forecasters predict the heatwave will continue in the Bradford district into next week.

A spokesman for PA Weather said: "We see no break in the weather as yet. The warm temperatures in the UK are coming up from Europe where it is very hot as the moment. It certainly looks set to continue into next week."

And temperatures may get even hotter towards the end of the week.

Tomorrow, unbroken sun is expected to send the temperature soaring to 32C (90F). On Friday there will be scattered cloud but temperatures will remain at the same mark - and stay there over the weekend.

Further south, temperatures have been even higher, with a recording of 34.8C (95F) yesterday making it the hottest day of the year so far.

There were hopes that a record high of over 37.1C (98.8F) would be reached today.

But the RSPCA is urging pet-owners to spare a thought for their animals.

Carol Neale, an RSPCA inspector in Bradford, said two dog owners had already been warned for leaving them in cars.

"People should never leave animals in cars for any period of time, even with the windows open," she said. "It doesn't take long for them to overheat. In some cases it can be a matter of minutes.

"Keep animals out of the sun, keep them watered and exercise them later in the day when temperatures cool down."

Kate Simpson is pictured giving shire horse Noble a hose-down at Bradford Industrial Museum.