AS Chorley sizzled in blazing sunshine this week, warnings were issued to help keep folk safe.

But as temperatures approached record-breaking levels, one town centre store was putting others in the shade.

Boots revealed it had seen a huge rush on sun products -- thrusting it to the top of the charts in its region.

Lynne Hampton, manager of the Market Walks outlet, said: "In the Manchester region, the Chorley store sold more sun glasses than other stores of its size, about 200 pairs in the past week.

She said the branch had also come third out of 24 similar sized stores in the region for sun tan lotion sales.

"Chorley people tend to buy a lot of sun tan prep," she said, "and they seem to be quite genned up on keeping an eye on their children."

Chorley Hospital has also warned sun worshippers to be careful.

A spokesman said: "Our advice is not to over expose the skin to the sun and to use a sun cream with a factor 15 or more and drink plenty of fluids.

"In particular babies should be kept in the shade at all times and have sun cream on even when they are out of the sun."

Meanwhile, drinkers are being warned not to overdo it. A spokesperson for Chorley Ambulance said they expected to be busy over the coming days.

"People will start drinking in the sun," he said. "We are asking them to be aware and keep their fluid levels up and drink water."

Chorley Police issued the message: "Enjoy the hot weather, don't go over the top and don't get in your car if you have had a drink."

They warned motorists, too, not to leave their sun roofs and windows open on unattended vehicles following a spate of thefts, which they say, could invalidate owners' insurance.

A spokesman for the council said the authority was prepared, too.

"We are aware that Chorley and the rest of the country could be basking in record temperatures. The council is on stand-by should any problems arise," she said.

United Utilities revealed an extra 200 million litres of water was used last time there was a mini-heatwave and urged people to use water wisely.

They asked folk to use their common sense when filling up paddling pools and watering their lawns, and told people not to swim in reservoirs.

But another local firm was lapping up the weather.

Elizabeth Frederick, of Frederick's ice cream, shop, Bolton Road, Chorley, said: "It has been a long time since we had such a good summer, we are enjoying it."

She said more family members were "being roped in" to cope with the demand for their ice cream, adding: "Sales are very high. It's a pity it doesn't stay for long."