Benson, near Wallingford, was one of the hottest places in the country during the scorching bank holiday weekend.

The UK was as hot as the Mediterranean on Sunday.

Britons saw the hottest day of the year so far on Saturday when temperatures of 30.5C were recorded in Kent, however Monday’s temperatures are expected to soar even higher to 34C in Greater London and across South East England.

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As well as Benson, heatwave conditions were met at Heathrow, Brooms Barn in Suffolk, High Beech in Essex, Kew Gardens in London, Northolt in London, Santon Downham in Suffolk and Writtle in Essex.

The Met Office also said that Santon Downham was the first location to meet the criteria at around 11:30 and its heatwave threshold is 27C for three consecutive days.

It was closely followed by Heathrow at around 11:50, whose criteria is three consecutive days at 28C. Temperatures in that area have since climbed further to 30C.

Speaking to the Press Association, a Met Office spokesperson said: “We rarely see temperatures above 35C, even in the summer months, so to see temperatures getting close to 35 in May is, as I say, pretty historic.”

They added that overnight temperatures could also lead to records being broken, staying above 20C and being “uncomfortable for sleeping”.

Saturday was the first time this year that the UK had passed 30C.

The last time that happened in May was in 2012.

The exception is in the North West of Scotland where bank holiday Monday will be breezier and damper with thicker clouds.

Animals at London Zoo who are used to milder temperatures have been given ice lollies to keep cool in the boiling hot temperatures, a spokesperson said.

Predators are being fed blood-based ice lollies, otters are snacking on ice lollies made of frozen shrimp and crayfish and gorillas are hydrating on lollies made from fruit teas.

At Chester Zoo, Andean bears have been fed ice blocks to ensure they stay hydrated and keep cool.

Heat is considered to be more dangerous for older adults as their bodies struggle to regulate temperature and Age UK is recommending they stay inside during the hottest hours of the day, which are between 11am and 3pm, and have regular cold baths or showers.

Caroline Abrahams, Age UK Charity Director, said: “We can all help older people stay safe during periods of hot weather by checking in on older relatives, friends and neighbours to see if they need anything or are struggling with the heat.

“Offering to pick up shopping or medication, or even lending a fan, can make a real difference.”

George Andrews raced against George, a 90-year-old giant tortoise, to see who could finish their cube first.

Mr Andrews completed his puzzle in just 66 seconds, while George took just under five minutes to finish an edible Rubik’s Cube.

The heartwarming race took place during a visit to Cotswold Wildlife Park, raising funds for Midlands Air Ambulance in support of the charity that helped save the life of Mr Andrews’ grandfather.

Megan Howard, head of reptiles at Cotswold Wildlife Park, said: “After hearing about George and Alfie’s Give Back Challenge, we decided to organise a special activity for them.

“Knowing what a Rubik’s Cube fan George is, we created an ‘Eat vs Complete’ challenge between 10-year-old George and our 90-year-old Giant Tortoise, also named George.

“We made an edible Rubik’s Cube using foods from the Giant Tortoise’s natural diet, including carrot and butternut squash.

“The challenge would see who finished first – Giant Tortoise George or young George.”

Mr Andrews said: “I can’t believe they actually made a Rubik’s Cube out of vegetables for Giant Tortoise George — that was so cool!

“Today was really fun and I loved taking part in the challenge.”

His brother Alfie, who joined him at the park, explained the motivation behind their fundraising efforts.

He said: “We’re doing this because Midlands Air Ambulance helped save our grandad’s life.

“George and I wanted to help raise money back for them because they help lots of people really quickly when they’re hurt or poorly.

“We also want to make fundraising fun so more people want to join in and help too.”

Their mother Tara said: “As parents, we are incredibly proud of both George and Alfie.

“Seeing the kindness, confidence and determination they put into helping others means the world to us.

“Today was such a special experience and the team at Cotswold Wildlife Park went above and beyond to make it unforgettable for the boys.”

The Rubik’s Cube challenge drew a supportive crowd, including residents from The Lakes Care Centre in Cirencester.

Among them were 93-year-old Evelyn Smith and 101-year-old Pat Baxter, who later got to meet their favourite animal at the park.

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity receives no government funding and responds to up to 4,500 emergency calls each year.

Covering several counties, including Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, the service relies entirely on public donations to meet its £20 million annual running costs.