SIZZLING temperatures look set to continue into the weekend affecting preparations for the start of the football season.Britain was basking in sunshine again today despite the fact that weathermen had expected it to be a little cooler than yesterday.

SIZZLING temperatures look set to continue into the weekend affecting preparations for the start of the football season.

Britain was basking in sunshine again today despite the fact that weathermen had expected it to be a little cooler than yesterday.

Sun-seekers enjoyed Britain's hottest day for 13 years yesterday. The top temperature, 36.4C (97.5F) at Gravesend in Kent, fell just short of being Britain's hottest day yet.

Forecasters predict that on Saturday, temperatures in the south east of England may come close to breaking the record for the hottest day.

On Saturday, Ipswich Town face Reading in their opening game of the Nationwide League's First Division and players will need to take on extra fluids to avoid the risk of overheating

David Williams, ITFC physiotherapist, said: "The players will loose a lot of heat through sweating so the importance of keeping them hydrated is paramount.

"The night before the game we shall place more drinks bottles than you can imagine around the pitch and will have plenty of ice buckets on hand during the match for when players need to cool off.

"During the second half the tall stands will provide more shade which should cool the pitch down bit."

Sun-lovers are again expected to pack out parks, beaches and pools across the country in an attempt to cool down.

Families lapped up the sun, sea and fresh air at Felixstowe Beach today. Scores of bathers braved the cold North Sea for a refreshing dip whilst others enjoyed an ice cream or a cold drink to help keep cool.

It was good to see so many people heeding the health experts' advice by frequently applying a thick layer of high factor sunscreen and donning a hat to protect their head from the sun.

N How has the heat affected you? Where have been the hotttest and coolest places? Write in to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or visit the forum at www.eveningstar.co.uk