Families took to the Suffolk seaside and enjoyed the hottest day of the year on Wednesday as children made the most of their half-term break.

Temperatures in Suffolk peaked at nearly 26C in Santon Downham on Wednesday, according to East Anglian forecasters Weatherquest - a slight increase from the day before.

Ipswich Star: Sisters Olivia and Emily made the most of the warm weatherSisters Olivia and Emily made the most of the warm weather (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Adam Dury, forecaster at Weatherquest, said it was "the hottest day of the year so far in East Anglia", recording 25.8C in Santon Downham and the lowest recorded high was in Charsfield where it reached up to 23.4C.

He said the warm weather looks like it's here to stay and there will be highs of 20-22C for the next week, which is still higher than average for this time of year.

Temperatures reached 26.6C in parts of the country, with the UK recording its third successive warmest day of 2021.

Thursday is set to be another hot and balmy day in Suffolk and Essex as the sunshine from the Bank Holiday weekend continues, with temperatures set to reach up to 25C.

Ipswich Star: Nyah, Ava and Esme sit on Maggi Hambling's famous scallop sculptureNyah, Ava and Esme sit on Maggi Hambling's famous scallop sculpture (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

However, forecasters have said there is chance of rain on Friday before another clear and sunny weekend.

The sunshine is also expected to continue into next week.

Ipswich Star: Rupert, Kit, Olivia and Emily play on the beach at the resortRupert, Kit, Olivia and Emily play on the beach at the resort (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

With more people making the most of the warm weather and visiting the coast, community leaders in east Suffolk have urged day-trippers to be responsible and clear up their litter after visiting.

Ipswich Star: Ida was another youngster enjoying a day out at the seaIda was another youngster enjoying a day out at the sea (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

James Mallinder, East Suffolk Council's cabinet member for the environment, said "small actions make a big difference" and urged litter louts to look after their surroundings.

He added: "There is no excuse for littering - it is unnecessary, unpleasant and frankly unsightly.

Ipswich Star: Eliza and Arran having fun in the sea in near-26C temperaturesEliza and Arran having fun in the sea in near-26C temperatures (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

"Like many parts of the country, east Suffolk has seen an increase in littering recently and we are doing all we can, such as installing additional bins and emptying them more frequently, to tackle the issue.

"However, we need residents and visitors to play their part too.

"If everyone takes responsibility for their own rubbish when out and about, we can all work together to help keep east Suffolk safe and beautiful."