Weather experts have revealed Kent has recorded the UK's hottest temperature of the year.

However, it took experts a day to confirm the information because of fears a film crew nearby may have tampered with their weather station.

Yesterday had already been signalled as the warmest day of 2018, as temperatures reached 35.1C in Surrey.

However, readings confirmed by the Met Office today show that Faversham actually recorded the highest temperature in the UK on Thursday - a whopping 35.3C.

There had been some concern among bosses that they may have been forced to disqualify the measurements.

Bosses investigated whether a film crew working nearby may have entered their fenced observation area.

However, discussions today left them satisfied their readings had not been compromised.

Meteorologist Simon Partridge said: "There was a question mark about the film crew nearby and we had to check they didn't enter the enclosure.

"Once we confirmed that hadn't happened then we could prove the reading from Faversham."

The town was also the scene for the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK, when thermometers read 38.5C in August 2003.

However, forecasts that the mark may have been beaten today have proved unfounded, with the mercury reaching 34.7C in Norfolk.

A yellow warning for thunderstorms is in place until 2am tonight.