IT WAS one of the hottest days of the year so far.

So residents of the New Forest may have been surprised to learn that roads throughout the county were being treated by gritters on Tuesday.

However, the trucks weren't called out because of a sudden and unexpected cold snap, but because temperatures of around 30C may have melted carriageways.

Hampshire County Council officials said the gritters will spread dust on the roads to soak up any excess bitumen which may have softened in the heat.

As reported in the Daily Echo, angry mums have hit out at two Bournemouth schools after pupils were told to wear their blazers despite soaring temperatures.