Ref. 25697-11As the mercury continues to rise everyone from children to hedgehogs are being affected by the heat- wave.

Some 750 youngsters from St Joseph's School, Queen's Drive, in Swindon, were challenged by the heat as well as each other at their sports afternoon.

Headteacher Peter Wells said: "We knew it would be hot so we had taken all precautions necessary.

"The first aiders had a couple of ankles to strap but there were no cases of sunstroke.

"At the end of each race I had some sixth formers in place with a bucket and sponge ready to give runners a good soaking if they wanted it."

But the town's hedgehogs have not been so lucky.

Sue Hulbert, from the South West Swan Sanctuary, Shrivenham Road, Swindon, said she had seen six hedgehogs die from dehydration in the last week.

"In this weather the ground is so hard the hedgehogs can't find any water so they are dying," she said.

"By the time they come to us they are in a poorly state.

"People can help by leaving a shallow dish of water in their gardens. Hedgehogs also love cat and dog food."

Food has also been on the agenda for al fresco fans, according to home improvement store Homebase.

Tony Davie, manager of the Orbital South Retail Park store, said: "It's unbelievable the amount of barbecues, fans, paddling pools and air conditioning units we are selling.

"Sales are up 1,000 per cent on fans."

Emma Cane, spokeswoman for the Great Western Hospital, said there had been very few cases of sunstroke, probably because it has been so hot people are remaining indoors.

The Swan Sanctuary is appealing for old sheets and towels to help them care for sick animals.

For more information call (01793) 336408.

Temperatures in the region reached 32C (90F) yesterday, while the Costa del Sol in southern Spain was 31C (88F).