SIR - After the unprecedented hot weather I'd like to provide a public service with some tips for when the mercury reaches 40c.

Try and stay cool by leaving your central heating off and don't wear a woolly hat. At bedtime leave your hot water bottle in the cupboard. Have salads and don't bake a meat and potato pie, putting your oven on at gas mark 6 for 50 to 60 minutes with the gas rings on too.

Don't light a fire in your garden and don't go tombstoning in a river that's run dry. Avoid travel where possible and don't board a train that's been cancelled.

This is a public service announcement.

Alan Bates, Bowland Avenue, Baildon