The public are being asked to stay safe and take sensible precautions when out and about in the sun.

With rising temperatures this week, the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) wants those spending time outside to follow simple tips to prevent on-set of problems like sunstroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration, reducing their chances of becoming a patient.

Matt Broad, Locality Director for Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge, said: “It’s nice that the sun is shining and we can all enjoy a taste of summer – but it’s important to remember that rising heat does bring health risks.

"Keep an eye on the weather forecast for the coming days and take some sensible precautions when you are out about – precautions that will help you avoid becoming a patient and protect your health.”

He continued: “It’s important to make the most of the good weather but equally important that people don’t get too much sun or heat and make themselves ill.”

The service suggests the following tips to stay safe whilst making the best of the weather:

• Avoid being in the sun and the heat between 11am and 3pm and seek the shade when outside

• drink lots of cool drinks, avoiding alcohol

• Make sure that if you are out in the sun you apply sunscreen regularly, wear a hat and loose-fitting cotton clothes.

• look out for others, especially children and older friends and relatives

• keep an eye on the weather forecast on the radio or TV, or at the Met Office website so you can stay prepared