BOLTON was baking as temperatures soared on the hottest day of the year.

The heatwave hit Bolton yesterday — although temperatures dropped yesterday evening weather experts are predicting the sun will to continue to shine towards the end of the week and throughout the weekend.

As shoppers and workers basked in the sun on the town hall steps, emergency services were stretched to their limit.

The North West Ambulance Service reported that compared with the same period last week, callouts were up 20 per cent. There was a similar jump in more serious callouts.

At the Royal Bolton Hospital one person was admitted with a case of serious sunburn and another with symptoms of heatstroke.

Advanced paramedic Sam English said: “As the warm weather is a pleasant change it can create various problems, particularly for the chronically sick, elderly, babies and young children and those who are fasting for Ramadan.

"The biggest risk during these hot spells is dehydration which is often characterised by lethargy, cramps, dizziness or confusion.

“Simple advice surrounds staying in the shade and keeping cool wherever possible, wearing sunscreen and a hat as well as keeping hydrated by taking regular cool drinks.”

Overheated commuters on Transpennine Express were treated to ice lollies by staff in a bid to keep cool.

Employees also handed out 18,000 bottles of water to its sweltering passengers.

Elsewhere in Bolton, people basked in the sun in Queens Park and youngsters took advantage of the weather to head to Smithills Open Farm to feed the animals.

At Bolton based digital marketing agency Bring Digital staff were treated to ice creams, which they enjoyed in their special ‘indoor park’ meeting area.

Managing director David Ingram said: “We didn’t want our staff to miss out too much on the lovely weather so we treated them all — it was as close to being outdoors without being outdoors really.

“The atmosphere and culture of the workplace is a huge part of what we do and it is all about making work as fun as it can be."

The Met Office has predicted that after a slight dip, the warm weather will return to Bolton over the weekend.

A spokesman said: “People in Bolton can expect a good sunny day on Friday, very dry and with very few clouds — temperatures could reach as high as 28 degrees.

“The sun will continue into Saturday, which will once again be dry and sunny, with highs of 24 degrees.

“Sunday will see more of the same — although temperatures will be slightly cooler, with highs of 21 degrees.”

The heatwave has also seen people hit the shops to stock up on food and drink, barbecues and electric fans.

A spokesman for Middlebrook Retail Park said: “We have seen lots of our retailers react to the weather by getting all their seasonal products out — barbecues, fans and summer food and drink and the place has been really busy with customers.

“We also have a lot of restaurants at Middlebrook and the outdoor seating areas have been packed with people eating outdoors and we are hoping for more of the same over the weekend.”

Shoppers in Bolton town centre meanwhile were mostly pleased to hear the warm weather was set to continue.

Brian Howarden, aged 76, from Breightmet, said: “I think this is the hottest it has been so far this year — you have to enjoy it while you can.

“I might have to get some sun cream but I’m not sure how long it will last.”

Tom Balfour, aged 19, from Horwich, added: “I have been out working in it and I think it is far too humid — I would welcome a good bit of rain.”