Ref. 26042-SF002Is the weather too hot? Not according to the people of Swindon, who are having fun basking in the sultry summer temperatures

GRIN and bare it that is Swindon's solution to the scorching hot weather.

With temperatures in Wiltshire set to reach a sizzling 35 degrees, sun worshippers are in their element.

Whether at work or play, people are stripping off in a bid to turn golden brown.

Builders working in Bridge Street made light of the sweltering conditions.

Pete Usher, 32, from Woodhall Park, said: "We're building an Australian-themed bar, so the weather's just right. Getting a suntan is the biggest perk of the job."

Solomon Holgate, 36, from Toothill, also enjoys basking in the sunshine but drinks plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

He said: "I get through three litres a day in weather like this. You can't beat builder's work, especially in the sun."

Although temperatures are proving hotter than the Canary Islands, which have been lagging behind at 29 degrees, our tastes remain staunchly British when it comes to food.

Business is brisk at Birch's Fish Bar in Gorse Hill, as customers revive memories of trips to the seaside.

Sue Birch, 52, who runs the business with her husband, Andy, said: "People never lose their appetite for golden fish and chunky chips. It reminds them of holidays at the coast."

Sylvia Cottel, 45, serves the traditional dish come rain, shine, or blistering hot weather.

She said: "It's exhausting work, slaving over a hot fryer. But I don't mind because the fans are on full blast. When I get home, there is a cold beer waiting for me in the fridge."

For anyone lucky enough to lead a life of leisure, or just making the most of the school summer holidays, Highworth outdoor pool, at the Recreation Centre is proving popular.

Swimmers and sunbathers have been taking the plunge in droves, desperate to escape the searing heat.

Centre manager Helen Maine said: "The pool has been very busy, attracting people of all ages. Our maximum capacity is 150 and we are consistently full at the moment."

To cope with the crowds and give everyone a splash about, the pool is running two-hour sessions for casual swimmers.

If you are too tied up with work to head for the beach, plenty of sunshine still lies in store for the weekend.

Met Office spokesman Sean Clarke said: "The heatwave should last into next week, with temperatures in the late 20s and low 30s. Madrid is a bit hotter, but our temperatures rival most countries on the continent. In fact we're beating Lanzarote and the Canary Islands."