Bookmakers have cut the odds of a record-breaking summer as Britons made the most of a weekend heatwave.

As the mercury soared, thousands flocked to beaches and parks to enjoy the sunshine or soaked up the rays with barbecues in the garden.

By midday, the temperature had reached 26C (79F) at Heathrow Airport in west London and forecasters predicted it could reach 28C or 29C during the day in England - although western areas and Wales were experiencing slightly cooler weather.

Sunday looks set to be the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures topping 30C (86F).

The sweltering conditions come as millions prepare to watch England take on the arch enemy, Germany, in the World Cup, and Murraymania sweeps Wimbledon.

Thousands of revellers at Glastonbury music festival have also been able to ditch their wellies for the first time in years and party in the sunshine.

Ladbrokes offered 3/1, cut from 7/2, that the highest ever UK temperature of 38.5C (101.3F) recorded at Brogdale, near Faversham, Kent, in 2003 will be beaten.

Spokesman Nick Weinberg said: "We're feeling the heat as temperatures continue to soar."

William Hill meanwhile set odds of 16/1 that temperatures will top 100F (37.8C) at Wimbledon 2010 and 5/1 that the temperature will break the 100F mark at any time this year.

"It looks like we are in for a red hot summer and the 5/1 currently on offer for temperatures to top 100F this year will not last long," spokesman Rupert Adams said.