Heatwave paralyses West

Some animals suffer more than others in the heat

Stranded motorists, sweltering penguins and liquid roads are just a few of the side effects of the heatwave currently sweeping the West.

Engineers have had to repair emergency motorway telephones rendered useless by high temperatures on the regions' motorways.

Meanwhile commuters taking the train were delayed after rail lines buckled between Bristol Temple Meads and Montpelier station.

But it is not just the transport links that have suffered.

Staff at Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water, have been spraying the King Penguins with water to keep them cool.

Shower

Simon Blackwell, from the park, said: "We have created a sprinkler system that keeps them nice and cool."

"They are on land for a lot of the day as they carry their eggs between their feet until they are relieved by their mate and can go into the water."

And the BBC's weatherman, Richard Angwin, told BBC News Online that the roads near his house had melted to such a degree that it was impossible to take his dog for a walk on Monday evening.

In Stoke St Michael, the road was almost liquid on Tuesday, with engineers covering it in cement dust to prevent it crumbling away completely.

But penguins and motorists can take heart, says Mr Angwin, the temperature in the West is set to drop at the end of the week, with the occasional shower.