Hailing start of summer at Stonehenge

SOME 25,000 people gathered at Stonehenge for the summer solstice sunrise - on the longest and hottest day of the year.

- BY PHIL CARDY

They cheered at the neolithic monument as the sun came up at 4.52am, signifying the end of spring.

English Heritage's Richard Dewdney said: "This morning was a joyous and peaceful occasion with the most beautiful sunrise.

"From sunset to sunrise, there was a fantastic atmosphere enjoyed by all, making for a truly memorable experience." By lunchtime, it was 32.6C in Charlwood, Surrey, eclipsing the 32.2C experienced in parts of eastern England on Thursday.

But elsewhere, there was thunder and torrential downpours.