GRAVESEND topped the weather charts this weekend and broke the record for being the hottest place in the UK--ever.

Temperatures soared to 38.1C (100.6F), which took the town to the top since records began in 1875.

The record was initially topped earlier in the day when Heathrow airport registered 37.9C (100.2F).

TV crews and journalists descended on the town to film and interview sun-seekers as they enjoyed the country's hottest day.

The town was featured on the BBC and ITV news and in most daily newspapers as the temperature nudged up to break the country's record.

Gravesend Promenade was packed with local residents keen to enjoy the heat wave and get a sun tan.

John Palmer from Gravesend said: "I am really pleased we topped the 100 degrees mark.

"Gravesend is often the hottest place in the country and I think we deserve the top spot ever.

"I decided to come to the prom to enjoy the sunshine and gat a breeze from the river."

A spokesman for the Met Office explained why the weekend has been so hot.

He said: "A cold front out to the west of the UK has been pulling in exceptionally warm air that's been over northern France the last couple of days."

"The longer a hot spell lasts the higher the temperature gets each day, typically about a degree each day."

He said the recent hot weather was consistent with global warming, although it was impossible to prove an exact link.