THOUSANDS of people packed out beaches in Brighton and Hove yesterday on what was the hottest day of the year so far.

As temperatures hit 28 degrees, sun-seekers flocked to the pebbles to bask in the heat and cool off in the sea.

The numbers prompted Brighton and Hove City Council to issue a warning to visitors to stay away yesterday afternoon, amid fears about maintaining social distancing.

At Heathrow Airport in London, temperatures hit 37.8 degrees, making it the third hottest day ever recorded in the UK.

READ MORE: 'Do not come to Brighton' authorities warn visitors

Photographer Simon Dack captured these shots of crowds hitting the beaches. 

The Argus:  

The Argus:

The Argus:

The Argus:

The Argus:

The Argus:

The Argus:

The Argus:

The Argus:

The Argus:

The Argus:

The Argus:

The Argus: