Jake Campion and Chelsea Legg enjoy some ice cream Picture Ref: 76564-174PEOPLE are being warned to take care as weather forecasters predict there could be a heatwave this summer.

The National Health Service has published a new leaflet warning about the dangers of staying out in the sun.

NHS chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson said the leaflet would mean they were better prepared to cope with such an event.

Swindon GP Peter Crouch, from the Taw Hill medical surgery, said the literature would help people avoid suffering in the sun.

He said: "I think the elderly in particular are affected by hot weather but it's not only the elderly, it's also young children and pregnant women.

"People forget that the heat can be a big killer. Every year that goes by we see more extremes in temperature.

"British weather is notoriously hard to predict. What this leaflet will do is arm people with the information they need to protect themselves."

The new leaflet comes as indications from the Met Office suggest a warmer than average July and August.

Last week the Adver reported that Thames Water is calling for people to preserve water and prevent a shortage this summer.

The warning came just nine months after Swindon was swamped by floods and could mean the town's first hosepipe ban for 15 years. The NHS leaflets set out the precautionary measures everyone can take to protect their own health in the heat.

In 2003 France was hit by severe heatwaves while in Europe 27,000 people died from the heat.

Sir Liam said: "As the experience in 2003 demonstrated, it is particularly important that for those over 75, especially those who live alone or in residential homes, the necessary precautions are taken to avoid serious harm through heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

"Timely preventive measures can reduce excess deaths."

And Dr Crouch said the leaflets were a good use of NHS money.

"There will be doctors who think this is a waste of resources but I'm sure the driver is the events that happened in France.

"This is all about giving people information to take care of themselves and their loved ones."

Jo Osorio, from Age Concern Swindon, said: "Experience a couple of years ago suggested that people do need to take care in the heat.

"Although many people will enjoy a hot spell there are some sensible precautions people need to take.

"I would urge people to take a look at the new leaflet and follow the suggestions."

This second heatwave plan, updated from last year, will help ensure that the organisations who are involved in providing health and social care services know what actions to take both now, and if a heatwave arrives.

Gareth Bethell